A devotion for Christ the King Sunday

The Feast of Christ the King is the last Sunday in the Christian year. As the year ends, we pause to experience the joy of Christ’s universal triumph over sin and death, and his eschatological redemption of the world. At First Presbyterian Church we’ve been working our way through the preaching and parables of Jesus in our weekend worship services.This devotional is based on Sunday’s sermon, but may be used profitably even if you haven’t hear the sermon.

Text

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, ⁴⁶ who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Prayer of Confession

Lord, thank you for your patience and forgiveness, for we can really botch things up. We refer to you as “God,” and then we go right ahead and act like we’re in charge. We agree to the claim that you are the Creator of all things, but think of ourselves as “a self-made man or woman.” We call you “Lord,” and then proceed to rule our own lives. We think you commandments are right and true, but the personally ignore some of them for our own advantage. Forgive us, Lord, and help us to follow you fully, not just in word but in deed.

Reflection Questions

1. The parables refer to a “stumbler”—who found the treasure without effort—and a “searcher”—who deliberately set out to discover wealth. Which of these sounds most like you? Have you stumbled into God or have you been seeking God all of your life?
2. In John Steinbeck’s novel The Pearl we read the tale of a man who discovered immense wealth, which ended ruining his life. Not all treasures enrich our lives. Have you ever sought a treasure that turned out to be unsatisfying or even ruinous in your life?
3. The things we do in life are motivated by a complex web of forces—expectations, appetites, personality, etc. As you look at your life, spend some time reflecting on the motivations that have guided your choices. Name three of them.
4. Alf mentioned the joy of the gospel. Do you experience joy in knowing that in Christ you are more sinful than you know and at the same time more loved by God than you imagine? Can you take a minute to write 3-5 sentences of thanksgiving to God for this reality?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge you as universal King and Lord over all. All that has been made has been created by you and for you. Be king of my life. I reaffirm my promises made in baptism to turn from the world, the flesh, and the devil; to turn to you and to receive forgiveness of my sins. I pledge that my whole life will be used to manifest your glory in all that I do. Amen.