In November 2018, I was officially conferred chieftaincy as a king in Badagry, Nigeria. I received a crown and a sword and was given the title, “Jogbe of Badagry.” My delegation who accompanied me to Nigeria from the U.S. was treated like royalty, receiving vibrantly colorful, handmade clothes designed from African fabrics. It was a beautiful moment and a reminder that we are all sons and daughters of the Most High King.
Most of us don’t view ourselves as royalty, however. We have allowed the world to define us. The truth is you were created by the King of the universe, which means you have stature on this Earth.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
As we celebrate this Easter Sunday, I want to remind you that you are royalty, and with that comes benefits and responsibilities.
Bridgeway, are you ready to accept your royal standing?
The British royal family, comprised of King Charles lll and his family bloodlines, is arguably the most influential and one of the most affluent royal families in the world. Members of the royal family enjoy diplomatic influence, public popularity, and lavish lifestyles. Needless to say, being in the royal family has its perks.
Much like the British royal family, our royalty as sons and daughters of the Most High King has benefits. We have the blessings our Heavenly King lavishes on us and an eternal home in Heaven.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:2-3).
Royalty also comes with responsibility. Some people overlook the fact that before Jesus overcame death through the Resurrection, he was hung on a cross and given a crown of thorns.
The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face (John 14:2-3).
The sarcasm and dishonor with which Jesus was treated is nothing like the respect given to most kings and a stark contrast to the experience of my own chieftaincy in Badagry. Jesus was mocked and ridiculed, yet he accepted their contempt with humility.
The reality is Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and he fulfilled that responsibility by dying on the cross. As children of the Most High, we distinguish ourselves not by accepting accolades or tributes, but by our selflessness and our love for others. Jesus commanded this of us:
You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:43-45).
Bridgeway, are you ready to live out your royal identity?
Friends, I want to leave you with three biblical truths to help you remain in your royal identity:
- You have divine purpose (Romans 8:28). You have been gifted with a unique calling and a specific assignment from God. Don’t allow obstacles, failure, setbacks, or sin to stand in the way of your divine purpose. God will use your story for His glory!
- You have divine power (Luke 10:17-20). God has given us spiritual weapons such as the Word of God and the Holy Spirit in our battle against the enemy. Let this be a reminder that you are fully armed with the weaponry needed to win any battle.
- Your royal identity is eternal (John 3:16, John 10:28-29). If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have been born into the royal family of God. If you haven’t, let today be the day you join God’s royal family.
Join me next week as I start a new sermon series titled, “Debt Free” and we kick off the series with a Paid-Off Party. We will celebrate the debt being paid off at Bridgeway’s Columbia campus. From our church house to your house, the possibility and expectancy of debt freedom will be declared, passed down, and released from the spiritual head of our house to every household under the covering of Bridgeway.
Love,
Pastor Anderson
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