April 27th, 2018, marked five years since the Dutch prince, Willem Alexander, was crowned King of the Netherlands. We were in Holland at that time, and there were great celebrations in many places. In the town where we were staying, there were activities in a nearby square. Children were all dressed in orange-coloured clothes and hats, as is the custom on any royal occasion, to indicate their allegiance to the House of Orange. They were also drawing pictures on the pavement with big chalk crayons and selling things in the North American "yard sale" style.

The king, the queen, their three children, and several other members of the royal family were in a predetermined city in the north of the country for the official celebrations. There were special events taking place, and speeches were given by dignitaries. The king and the royal family walked down the streets, which were lined with literally thousands of people, stopping to shake hands and talk to people. The people reached out to touch them, and there was applause as they walked by. It was a very festive occasion, all shown on television for many hours that day, and it was watched by millions.

On Sunday the 29th, we attended a service in a 400-year-old church. The minister climbed into the ancient pulpit, high above the congregation, and the very first thing that he mentioned was that he, too, had watched some of the television coverage of the royal events. He said that while he was watching, he wondered how many of the people who were so keen to see the king would know the King of kings. We could tell that he had given the subject considerable thought during the preparation for the service, as did I during the next few days.

He mentioned in his message that there are many people who just don't know about Jesus, and others who don't care. I thought back to the time when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and how there, too, the people cheered and wanted to shake His hand and touch Him.

Luke 19:37-38 – Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (NKJV)

The fact of the matter is that earthly kings come and go. They are admired and even loved by many of their subjects, but their reign is of a temporary nature. On the other hand, our King is always with us, and His reign is forever!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we are so aware of the fact that many people are not really interested in Jesus, and it is our daily prayer that a change will come about and that all will recognize Jesus as the King of kings. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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