Human government has always been a tricky balance. Incentives are powerful forces in politics, religion, and markets; misalignment leads to wild instability. The kings we tend to remember were ruthless, self-indulgent, selfish individuals who wielded power for their benefit. They were the living embodiment of Lord Acton’s commentary, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

It would be wrong, historically and otherwise, to paint with such a broad brush. A centralized political leader who holds the vast majority of political and military power in a jurisdiction is inherently dangerous. A few good men in history performed admirably in the role, most failed miserably. Still, it’s easy to see that the Greek notion of the philosopher king would be an excellent fit, even in the modern world, were the role to be fulfilled faithfully.

The king is not meant to be a tyrant; just the opposite. The king is to have compassion for the health, safety, and welfare of his people. He is somewhat of a father figure, tending to the domestic and foreign affairs of the state so that his people can do the same for their families and communities. He should be thoughtful, deliberative, and, in the truest sense, humble. This great responsibility for so many placed on his shoulders will dictate the lives of many.

This is why it is so easy to ascribe kingship to Christ. Jesus is King of Kings, the leader of all dominions and principalities, and the true embodiment of kingly responsibility. He is focused and attentive to the needs of His people, provides what they need, and took upon Himself the sacrifice that they could never perform. This is a King.

Power dynamics and cultural pressures can distort in our minds our perception of relationships. Who wants to be a citizen when they can be a king? The truth is, kingship’s responsibility is a burden of strength and responsibility that few can manage. After all, who else but Christ could take upon Himself every sin of every person in every age? Being the beloved is a gift unto itself, and to belong to the King is a great blessing.

Kingship is not a problem, corruption is. How good is it to belong to the King whom corruption cannot touch.