King of Kings

The Holy Spirit compelled me to go to a "No Kings" protest. I went purposeful toward hundreds of people braving a relentless rain. But unlike the gray clouds overhead, my heart was closed.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” - Ephesians 6:12

My ambition was to scout the enemies playbook, expecting lies and confusion (see James 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Isaiah 5:20). I've heard about these protest and want to my get boots on the ground. There is a King! His name is Jesus! The people need to know! Without compassion, I tried to spread the light of God. Judgemental, I hoped to share the Gospel. And as I was taking a video explaining my mission behind enemy lines, the Lord really convicted me. Dude, you haven't even heard anyone out...

Fine, Jesus.

So I started talking with David, a young guy standing next to me. I learned that he was raised Christian, and fell away from his faith in high school / college.

I can't help but mention during these divine appointments...START PRAYING

God how do you want to encourage? What do you want to say? Use me.

Anyway. I felt impressed to share some of my high school / college story. Addicted to alcohol, trying drugs, pursuing women. I made no room for God. I didn't want to seek the light because my habits were more appropriate for the darkness. David seemed to resonate.

I asked if there was evil in the world. He gestured to the protest around us...duhhh. I continued, do you believe that good is more powerful? David said he wanted to know that; he hoped so. But religion had failed him. The Church abandoned him. Now I could hear the pain in his voice. But one thing, David said he always remembered, was that Jesus is the rock.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who build his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock" - Matthew 7:24-25

Side note - the protest was next to a Zoo. We were literally standing on a big, rock turtle while the rain came down and the winds blew. God is like that.

I explained that there is a difference between religion and relationship. It was man who failed him in the church, not God. As we were wrapping up our conversation, I asked David if I could pray for him. And in the midst of a no kings rally I prayed for the King of kings to reveal himself.

"Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing" - Luke 23:34

Many people are just lost. We all crave belonging and acceptable, but sometimes are drinking from the wrong wells. Everyone tries to build a foundation, but most are unsure where to anchor their identity. Only a relationship as a son or daughter of the Most High is unwavering. A walk with Jesus alone is truly satisfying. Folks who haven't accepted God into their lives reject any type of king - as evidence by the protest. But there is a flawless King in Heaven, and he wants you to build your life upon him.