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“The Lord is a King”, Lost Sermon No. 86

March 5, 2018

Have you seen Netflix’s popular show, The Crown? It romanticizes the life and rule of Elizabeth II, queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, as she navigates the trials of maintaining monarchy in a modern age. It is gripping not only because of its fine acting and beautiful cinematography, but because the historical subject captures the imagination of many who are drawn in by the main question of the plot: can the crown continue to serve its function in a modernizing world?

The idea that one man or woman would have the power of the title “king” or “queen” is unheard of in our time. Only a handful of countries still operate with an absolute monarchy — the right to unmatched political power.

And yet, Christians all over the globe gladly ascribe the title “king” to Jesus Christ.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who lived his whole life under the rule of Queen Victoria, knew his Queen might be mortal and her reign temporal, but his King of Kings “… Is King now. [He] had been then for a long time, even for ever, and will reign forever.” In lost sermon no. 86, “The Lord is a King”, Charles provides Christian subjects everywhere with a royal edict of Jehovah's supreme lordship.

We ought to serve him and crown him, for He is our Maker, father, strength.

How will you approach the King of Kings? Will you come as a willing subject, ready to be “ruled by love”? Those who do, confesses Spurgeon, “He ever smiles on them and gives audience to them. They are happy, some completely so.”

Many do not submit themselves the the royalty of the Lord, “who is worthy to reign by reason of his holiness,wisdom, justice, truth, power.” To these the preacher asks: "Do you not fear the great Lord of Hosts? Dare you give him the a refusal?”

And still, He will rule over all, despite opposition. His reign is eternal and is not jeopardized by the individualism of the modern world.  

Will you submit to this King? You must come into his holy and royal presence by way of the cross, becasue "a decree has passed that Only through Jesus an obedience be accepted from creatures, fallen and depraved." 

Fancy an audience with the Heavenly throne? Come to Jesus, he is both King and mediator. Submit yourself, and always remember that "The Prince Emanuel is sole ambassador."

You can read an excerpt from “The Lord is a King” below. Be sure to pick up The Lost Sermons of C. H. Spurgeon, vol. 2, available now, for more sermons from Spurgeon’s earliest ministry.

 


About The Lost Sermons of C. H. Spurgeon

In 1857, Charles Spurgeon–—the most popular preacher in the Victorian world—–promised his readers that he would publish his earliest sermons. For almost 160 years, these sermons have been lost to history. In 2017, B&H Academic began releasing a multi-volume set that includes full-color facsimiles, transcriptions, contextual and biographical introductions, and editorial annotations. Written for scholars, pastors, and students alike, The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon will add approximately 10 percent more material to Spurgeon’s body of literature. Click here for an interview between Jared Wilson and Christian George about the Lost Sermons project.