Many years ago I held a position with a company which gave me occasion to sit through an entire day of court proceedings. It never ceased to amaze me of how "court" attracted people from all walks of life who were not involved in the docket of the day but simply came to watch.

There is yet even another trial that I believe holds the record for the longest "on going trial" in history.

It began very early one morning - a morning perhaps no different than today only earlier in the day - perhaps just about sunrise. Not in the Courthouse but in the yard of a very important man. A group of men arrive at the home of Pilate and begin knocking on the very tall - very thick door.

"Hello? Helloooooo! Hey! Wake up in there! We need to speak with you!" The men knocked with an even greater determination.

Finally a response: "I’m coming! I’m coming! Hold your horses I’m coming!"

Then very slowly with hinges in obvious need of oil the huge door begins to open.

"Yes? What is it pray tell - just what is it?!"

"We need to see the governor and we need to see him right now!"

"What in the name of Caesar is so all fired important that it couldn’t wait until we at least got out of bed?"

Two of the men step just out of view and return with a man bound, beaten, and tired.

"He’s the reason! He’s why we are here! He has been more trouble than you could ever imagine! First he was taken to Annas and he didn’t know what to do with him so he sent him to our chief priest Caiaphas. Caiaphas said he needs to be executed but we aren’t allowed to put him to death and so Caiaphas has sent us here because he knows that Pilate can have him executed. So can we Puhlease see the Governor?!"

"All right I’ll go get him but you wait right here! Don’t you dare step foot inside this door!"

"Boss! Boss! Get out of bed we got BIG trouble out here!"

"Who is it? And what do they want?!"

"Sir you have to see it for yourself!"

Once again the huge door swings open the hinges squeaking the entire way. This time the governor appears. The men bow in respect.

"All right what is it? What do you want?! Hurry it up! You got me out of bed!"

"Mr. Governor sir we are so sorry to bother you but we’re here on orders."

"Orders? Who’s orders?"

"Caiaphas the chief priest."

"What does that no good want with me?"

"This man sir. He calls himself Jesus. He has been more trouble than you could ever imagine! First he was taken to Annas and he didn’t know what to do with him so he sent him to our chief priest Caiaphas. Caiaphas said he needs to be executed but we aren’t allowed to put him to death and so he has sent us here because he knows that you sir - well you can have him executed."

"You want me to put him to death?!"

"But why? What's he done? And why don't you do it yourself?"

"Sir he claims to be a King! King of the Jews! And well we are not permitted to put him to death."

The governor summoned for Jesus to enter but made the guards remain outside.

"Well tell me man - Are you A King? Are you as they have said you claim to be - the King of the Jews?"

Then this man called Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?"

"I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?"

Jesus answered "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here."

"So you are a king?"

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

At this the governor turns away with a most bewildered, perhaps terrified look on his face saying to himself over and over again "He is a king. He . . . is a king! He really IS . . .A King!"

A King! What does that mean "King?" According to Webster the words signifies "one that holds a preeminent position; who rules for life." As Christ made His entry into Jerusalem that day he was making it as God’s chosen King. God has presented His Son as Lord of Lords and King of Kings in the corporate sense of the word. But the more specific - more individualistic question for you and I this morning has to do with His relationship in our lives. Is He MY King? Is He YOUR King? Does He hold preeminent position in my life and your life? Do you and I allow Him total and complete rule in our life? Only when we give Him that position in our lives is He truly King. When we make Christ King of our lives it is He who brings victory into our lives.

Today we participated in a Procession of Palms signifying Christ's triumph over sin and death and THAT gives us peace in all the circumstances we encounter in life.

We understand that because Christ first suffered and died for us He gave our suffering, and our dying, new meaning, new value, new perspective. We know because of what He did, that we are not alone in our trials. He has gone ahead of us, and yet also remains with us as we walk difficult paths.

That is the miraculous nature of Christ the King. Peace indeed can be found through suffering, trauma, even death to those who follow the King, as we do. God's gift to us in Jesus is the miracle of peace in the face of Life's most difficult moments.

The name Jenna Burton was shared with you this morning for prayer. You may not be aware of it but Jenna, her sister Emily, and their Mother were visiting us last week. Friday Jenna suffered a very serious injury involving a horse and was air lifted to Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte.

When I recieved the call yesterday morning I got ready and headed to the hospital. On my way I cried for Jenna and her parents. I wondered what it was that her parents were feeling right then. As a parent I hope I never know. I asked God how could I ever minister to the needs of their lives at this very moment and to calm my heart and grant to me His peace that I might minister in His name.

When I got there I found Jenna's family assembled together in the pediatric intensive care waiting room. Jenna is in the 8th grade. As I visited in the waiting room with her Mother and a few others I began to pray silently that God would bring peace to this family. Her Mother almost immediately asked me if I would like to go back and see Jenna and quite naturally I said "yes."

As we walked into Jenna's room, there were machines everywhere along with Doctors and nurses. It was very chaotic. Her Mother and I stood beside her bed. I reached over and took Jenna's hand and together her Mother and I prayed for God's help and the peace of Christ.

Something miraculous happened. At the moment we were praying we were no longer aware of the chaotic movement of others around us nor the disruptive noise of the ventilator. Our only awareness was the presence of four people. Jenna, her Mother, myself, and God.

The only way any of us will make it through the difficult times of life is through our strong reliance upon Christ the King.

The triumph of Christ the King is not over governments or rulers, armies or even weapons. The triumph of Christ our King is over sin and sickness and war and oppression and abuse and even death. Through the blood of His cross, through the life of His resurrection we can receive His peace. Now and ever more!

Amen.