Easter, not Christmas, is the most important day for believing Christians. It’s not the Easter eggs or the added vacation days; it’s the day that Jesus launched a kingdom, the Kingdom of God. At the time of his ministry, his disciples had seen him captured and crucified by Roman decree. He was buried, but on that first Easter morning, Jesus was raised from the dead. The New Testament Bible records that Jesus was seen by the disciples and as many as 500 others. His resurrection changed lives then and continues to change lives now.
Believers went around the known world proclaiming the “Good News” and what it could mean to those who believe. To this day, there are over a billion believers around the world who, though divided by nationality, race, and political beliefs, remain united members of the family of God and followers in the eternal kingdom Jesus created.
On this year of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, it’s important to remember the role that the Christian faith played in America’s history. The movie “A Great Awakening” is now in theaters everywhere. The new film explores the impactful relationship between the evangelist preacher George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin. His impactful ministry resulted in Franklin’s recognition of the potential role of faith in shaping the course of the new country.
From the revolutionary days to the 20th century, every city had multiple churches; they were often the center of the community. Even in turbulent times, churches called people to serve and to love their neighbor, and they did.
The recent coverage of the “No Kings” March was puzzling to watch. It was clear that many were moved to participate, but why? There seemed to be no policy priority. One message seemed to stand out; they were against “King Trump.” As a supporter of the President’s priorities, I voted for him, but even I would not want him to be a king. Thankfully, the march must have worked, because he is not a king, but remains merely an elected President.
Let’s face it, President Trump struggles to even get cooperation in a divided Washington. Can he get funding for ICE? Can he finish the job and find an acceptable end to the military actions in Iran? Can he get Democrats to come back to the Capitol to join negotiations? No king would have the problems he struggles with. Their right to even demonstrate proves he is no king. None were beheaded or even imprisoned. But it’s certainly clear that we remain divided.
But to Christians, there is a king, a “King of Kings.” In the Easter story, Jesus is asked by Pontius Pilate if he is “King of the Jews.” Jesus let Pilot know that His kingdom is not of this world. He leads a different kingdom. By faith, Jesus is the “King of Kings” with a kingdom that has no end. He calls believers to believe and to follow Him. Affirming Him is not what He demands; just believing is not enough. He expects people in His kingdom to follow Him and to love and live as He lived.
That is a tall order that all believers struggle with in a divided world—humble yourself and become a servant, love even your enemies no matter their race or politics, give to the poor instead of expecting the government to do it in your place, and put the will of God ahead of your own needs. If you want to be first in His kingdom, you need to be a servant to all. Don’t expect earthly accolades, for you will be called names and be asked to bear your own kind of cross.
As believers, God’s kingdom is to take precedence over any national label. But Jesus promises that you will not be alone; you will have the power of the Holy Spirit within you and fellow Christians to support you. You will find joy, fellowship, and a sense of deep purpose. The “No Kings” March divided us. Maybe it’s time for Christians of all persuasions to gather together for a “King of Kings” March in America, and maybe even around the world. After all, Jesus called on all believers to “be one.”
What would happen if Christians from all countries, all races, all political parties, all ages, and all genders came together to march as “Kingdom People?” Sure, we could disagree and even salute different flags or attend different churches, but we still could march united in the belief that Jesus died for us, and we are saved and called to serve.
Could you imagine the joy of marching with fellow believers shouting our hallelujahs and praise to our king and savior? Wouldn’t it be an amazing witness to see millions of believers putting being united in Christ ahead of our many differences? Well, what do you say? Would you join such a march?
OK, who is willing to start the ball rolling? I know Charlie Kirk would have joined in. What do you think, Turning Point? I think Martin Luther King, Jr. certainly would have been there. How about Franklin Graham? Many of our politicians on both sides of the aisle might even be able to march alongside their fellow believers. Who has the power, the voice, and the platform to actually make this happen? I promise to join in if the Holy Spirit lights someone’s fire for America’s first “King of Kings” March. Faith has been a part of our history and honoring it certainly should be part of our 250th Anniversary year! May it be so.
Terry Paulson is a PhD psychologist, professional speaker, and author of The Optimism Advantage and his new political novel, The Summit. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.