But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King...
Matthew 5:34-35a (ESV)
King Ahasuerus wanted honour for himself and worked to earn it, while Jesus gives us honour whilst we did not deserve it.
After the embarrassment King Ahasuerus experienced when Queen Vashti refused his request to publicly display herself, he sought to re-establish honour by forceful decrees. In contrast, Jesus is not insecure. Although the earth is His footstool and He is King over Jerusalem, He uses this authority to humbly love and transform us into His likeness, so that we are able to serve and honour others and fulfil his decree to love each other.
Lord, who can challenge or embarrass You? Your love is so great. You don't force us to honour You, even though You are the rightful King over our hearts. Help us recognise Your Kingship over our lives and to give You the humility and trust and honour You deserve. What a King You are! In Jesus' name, Amen.
