The earliest creedal statement of the Christian Church is thought to be “Jesus is Lord.” We see it now on bumper stickers or in lights in churches. It has become part of the background imagery of American popular religion. But when the Church began to proclaim it, it was a costly statement that rejected the armies of Caesar and lifted up a crucified man in his place.

That a cursed and crucified man, rejected by the crowd, could be the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is a reminder that earthly success doesn’t correlate at all to God’s favor. It’s often the other way around…

As we celebrate Jesus’ kingship this weekend, let us remember what it implies about our lives today.