(column for newspaper The Citizen May 5 2023)
What do we hold as of most value in our life – of crowning importance? And what are we prepared to do to protect that?
This Saturday (May 6) marks what for some could be a once-in-a-lifetime event – the coronation of a sovereign. (The crowning of our previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, occurred three years before I was born.) King Charles III is to be anointed and crowned at Westminster Abbey in London, England. There will be much pomp and pageantry; royal-watchers will be thrilled. The occasion is to be heralded by a 21-gun salute all over Britain and by Royal Navy ships at sea all over the world. But at the heart of the event is a service of Christian worship that by word and symbol puts a significant spin on what good leadership should be all about.
Politicians are notorious for bending their policies to suit what they estimate will bring them most popularity. Some are very gifted in the art of “doublespeak”, to the point that after you’ve heard their response, you wonder if they ever actually addressed the question that was posed. Many countries flounder and languish because their governments are riddled with corruption, from the top down.
It wasn’t much different back in the first century A.D. Jesus observed to His followers, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.” (Mark 10:42) In other words, throw their weight around, take advantage of others, milk the masses. Jews in Palestine at that time resented their Roman overlords who taxed them heavily and sometimes crushed uprisings with brutality.
King Charles’ coronation service aims to cast a different slant on what good leadership is all about. It begin with a greeting and response: “Your Majesty, as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of Kings.” To this the king responds: “In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve.”
This reflects Jesus’ admonition to His followers regarding leadership. Whatever their position, they are not to go about ‘lording it over’ others and exploiting them. Instead – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:43ff)
It is encouraging to see that those responsible for planning the coronation service were intentional about emphasizing this theme. The accompanying commentary prepared by the Church of England notes, “His Majesty’s reply echoes the truth of Jesus Christ who came, not to wield power by force, but to show the power of love (Matthew 20.28). This new inclusion marks the tone of the service from its beginning. The magnificence and beauty of the processions and costumes is a great celebration of tradition and joy. But behind the pageantry lies another message which the words and ceremonies to come will demonstrate – our King commits himself, through prayers and oaths, to follow the Lord he serves in a life of loving service in his role as Monarch.”
The presentation of a Bible reminds the new sovereign that they themselves are accountable to a Higher Power to whom they must one day give account at judgment. The presenter states, “Sir: to keep you ever mindful of the law and the Gospel of God as the Rule for the whole life and government of Christian Princes, receive this Book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is Wisdom; This is the royal Law; These are the lively Oracles of God.”
The Bible is a “lively” book, God’s words are living and active, piercing to our core. (see Hebrews 4:12) Scripture is “most valuable”, reminding those in government what makes for lasting justice, righteous rule, and peace. And in our personal lives, too.
The epistle reading for the coronation service is another reminder that earthly kings are not ultimately sovereign. “For by him [Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.’’ (Colossians 1:16) Yes, including even thrones.
Later in the service, an adaptation of Psalm 71 (sung in Greek, acknowledging Charles’ father’s roots) recalls that a monarch’s role is to exercise power for the benefit of one’s fellow-citizens. “Give the king your judgements, O God, and your righteousness to the son of a king. Then shall he judge your people righteously and your poor with justice… May he defend the poor among the people, deliver the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.” Rather than the poor being forgotten and subjected to milking by the wealthy.
The most sacred part of the ceremony, screened off from public view, is the anointing of the king’s head, chest, and hands. Interestingly, the oil used comes directly from trees on the Mount of Olives at Jerusalem (pressed outside Bethlehem). This is a tangible connection with Jesus’ incarnation and birth in solidarity with humanity, and His agonizing prayer and struggle prior to His crucifixion for the forgiveness of our sins.
Anointing is connected symbolically with the Holy Spirit, whose guidance and empowerment are needed for ruling wisely and with mercy, love, and justice. Other Christian symbolism – a cross atop the regalia items (crown and sceptre and golden orb), a dove atop the “Rod of Equity and Mercy”, all point to the new king’s need for help to govern in a way that may at the end please God and, as for others who have crowned Jesus as their personal Lord, merit divine commendation – “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21,23)
Serving, it seems, suits even a sovereign! Are we ready to crown Jesus as our King, and serve Him who submitted for our sakes to giving His life in love as a ransom for us?
