"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats”.

Matthew 25 : 31 - 32

Readings this week :  Ezekiel 34 : 11 - 16, 20- 24; Ephesians 1 : 15 - end; Matthew 25 : 31 - 46

Throughout history Kings and Queens have faced the challenge of how they exercise their rule. Some have used armies and force. Others the threat of punishments and the law. Others have used coinage and flags. Some have used all these means.

Has any earthly monarch though ruled through kindness. Compassion. Forgiveness. Peace. Hope. Love?

Jesus is a different kind of King. He has all authority and power. Yet His Kingship and His Kingdom is different. There are no palaces or castles, boundaries and states. Jesus’ Kingdom exists in the human heart. In the most powerful place of all in terms of transforming the world and bringing freedom to every person. He is the King of love.

Jesus is also the suffering King who brings healing in the most devastated and despair – ridden places. He is the King who comes alongside the most downtrodden, impoverished people. He is the King who challenges, calls, invites, transforms everyone who comes to Him in faith. The King who alone brings hope.

This is our King! The king of kings. Who lives with us and within us. All praise and glory to Him.

Rev Paul

People to pray for :

For the pause in fighting in Gaza to hold, and for those still to be released

For those suffering in the colder weather

For the life and witness of the church

Prayers this week

Eternal Father, whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven

that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:

keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace,

and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;

who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

God the Father,

help us to hear the call of Christ the King and to follow in his service, whose kingdom has no end;

for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one glory. Amen