Queen Salote Tupou III was outstanding in different ways. Over 2 metres tall, she was Queen of Tonga from 1918 until her death in 1965. Greatly loved and  honoured in Tonga, she was a world leader who gently commanded respect way beyond her island nation. At the coronation of Queen Elisabeth in 1953, she almost “stole the show” when travelling in an open carriage to the event in London. The crowds along the road roared their approval as she passed by.

Other royal figures, too, such as Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth herself, have had special places in people’s hearts. Yet it’s doubtful if any of these would have been regarded by many as being NUMBER ONE in their lives. Figure heads? Yes. But did they touch the day-to-day lives of ordinary people? Probably not.

Last Sunday we honoured  a different royal figure: CHRIST THE KING. He was, and is, very different from a worldly leader. He is someone who has had a mission ever since he started his public life all those years ago in the Middle East. His kingdom isn’t geographical. He has never regarded his followers as subjects.

As CHRIST THE KING, Jesus invites his followers to truly make him NUMBER ONE in their lives. Why? So that they can have true life, life to the fullest in every way. Jesus does not call his followers just to honour him. Placing his image or symbols of faith in him, in our homes, cars, or even in our churches, can serve as a reminder of this, but in themselves they don’t have any intrinsic value, and if they’re regarded as good luck charms, they are of little use.

We are followers of Jesus, CHRIST THE KING. Acknowledging this reality, and rejoicing because we know that when he is NUMBER ONE for us, life just does become so much more liveable.  As CHRIST THE KING, Jesus is constantly challenging us. It’s as though he says, “If I am NUMBER ONE in your life, this means that you must try to think like me, to have my attitude to people and their needs. You must consider my Gospel and take up the challenges you find there. You must use your talents to transform this world into my kingdom. That’s the mission of all who call me, CHRIST THE KING.”