DEMANDS OF OUR KING

By David J. Riggs

I. It is characteristic of great leaders to make demands on their
   followers.
   A. During his reign, King Frederic William III of Prussia found
      himself in trouble. Wars had been costly, and, in trying to    
      build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. He       
      couldn't disappoint his people, and to surrender to the enemy  
      was unthinkable.
      1. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of
         Prussia to bring their gold and silver jewelry to be melted
         down for their country. For each ornament received, he
         determined to exchange a decoration of iron as a symbol of
         gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed: "I gave gold
         for iron, 1813." 
      2. The response was overwhelming and, more importantly, the
         women prized the iron from their king more highly than their
         former jewelry. The reason, of course, was obvious. Their
         decorations of iron were proof that they had sacrificed for
         their king and country.
   B. When Winston Churchill became Prime Minister he told the
      British people that he had nothing to offer them but "blood,   
      toil, tears, and sweat."

II. These were demanding leaders, but Jesus Christ is a thousand
   times more demanding than they were.
   A. Love of country, home, or property cannot stand in the way.
      Luke 14:33
   B. Riches, wealth, or possessions cannot stand between us and our
      King. Mark 10:21-25
   C. Something as dear as one's close loved ones cannot stand in the
      way. Luke 14:26
   D. Even one's own self, or one's own life, cannot stand in the    
      way. Mark 8:34-37

III.  Whatever it might be - laziness, fear, selfishness, country,   
   money, family, oneself - it cannot stand between us and our King.
   A. Jesus is not some wishy-washy person coming up to us, hoping to
      win our favor by saying softly: "Please, may I have a word with
      you."
   B. He comes to us as the Lord and King. Acts 2:37; 1 Tim. 6:14-16
   C. Our King requires obedience. Heb. 5:9
   D. He will destroy all enemies in the day of His wrath. Psalm     
      110:5; Rev. 19:15-16

Concl.
   A. Let us willingly and freely submit to the demands of our       
      glorious King who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.