In ancient times the king had absolute command over everything and everyone, in his kingdom. But he was also responsible for his subjects and was the “minister” of defence, health, education, social welfare and justice. When the King of Israel led them out of Egypt, He fed them, watered them, protected them and healed them. He was a good and responsible King, but the subjects complained and asked for a human king.

When King Jesus came, He too looked for subjects throughout Palestine but found few. Again, Israel loved the King’s provision, but they did not like His provisos. They wanted Jesus to be sovereign over their needs but not their will - to be King over their problems but not king over their hearts. It takes two to make kingdom. The king, and subjects who are in harmony with the will of the King. Jesus proclaimed “Good news - you can be part of my kingdom. Your part is to get your heart in line with the will of heaven”. God’s kingdom comes wherever His will is done.

This is why we pray “Let your kingdom come, your will be done”, and for the same reason Jesus said, “If anyone would be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me” As David McCracken says, “the cross is the instrument upon which our will dies. The cross is even the shape of an “I” crossed out”. A disciple is someone who has denied self-will and embraced the will of the king.

As divine King Jesus promised “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the necessary earthly things shall be added to you” (Matt 6:33). And from Pentecost onwards His disciple subjects found that His kingly power and rule, brought them peace, blessing, victory and dominion over all the enemies of demons, depression and fear.

Friend, there are no cross-less followers of Jesus. But he is no fool who gives up his own short-sighted self-will, to accept the will of Someone who loves us more, whose plans are perfect for us and who has the ability to bring them to pass. Sure, as we follow Him, His path may pass through a garden or even a “cavalry”, but it will always lead us to His presence with exceeding great joy, for there is always joy for Him and for us, beyond the cross.