An addict, a princess, and a king
I’ll just confess: I enjoy following the royalfamily. I dutifully woke up at the crack of dawn to watch Will and Kate tie theknot; they needed my support. I bought all those Princess Diana books Goodwill hasin safekeeping, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I subscribe to“Clarence House” on Twitter. I drink out of a commemorative Queen Mum tea cup.
Though not totally obsessed as I once was (I promise!)this newsblurb about the Duchess of Cambridge caught my eye. As British royals wieldthe remaining of their (now dwindled) power in the philanthropic world, we Americansare perhaps their most loyal subjects. Turns out one of Kate’s carefullyselected charities supports recovering addicts, which is a fantastic cause.
In the course of this segment, a quote by one of theclients struck me, “For someone who’s that well globally respected to care isquite extraordinary. I think it’s just brilliant the royal family is steppingforward.”
Now think about what’s happening here. This youngwoman was shamed by her position because ofthe visit of such a highly respected figure. The mere presence of a princess immediatelymade clear who was royal and who was rough. (Before continuing I must ask youto not read this post as critique of Kate Middleton! As far as I can tell, she’s absolutelylovely.) What I’d like to do is draw the parallel between drug addict andprincess to us and King Jesus.
How did you feel when Christ first revealed himselfto you? Most likely you were humbled in the same way. “O, Lord, don’t look atme. I’m not worthy. You don’t know the things I’ve done.” Or, even after we’ve beenmade co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), “Don’t look at me; you don’t know thethings I continue to do. O God, I amsuch a disappointment to you.” If you’ve ever thought such thoughts, what goodnews – the Gospel! – I have to share.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable tosympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been temptedas we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throneof grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews4:15-16 ESV) Did you catch it? Jesus sympathizes! He’s been tempted and triedjust like us. The difference? Jesus never sinned. The good news? Jesus freelygives his righteousness to us, a righteousness we constantly need to save andsustain us. Soak in this reality, Christ died for you while you werebroken, ugly, and addicted to sin (Romans 5:8).
Confidently, boldly, freely approach God our Fatherand his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The way was made; the royal route was laidout over two-thousand years ago on a bloody and scarred cross.
Victoria… you are marvelous. You write so beautifully and make your points so clear and easy to understand. Well done, dear 🙂
Thank you so much 😀 And this is awful but do we know each other out of the blogsphere? lol I’ve been desperately trying to make connections!