God's Glory Church

“And his people did not burn incense for him, as they did for his parents.” — 2 Chronicles 21:19

In the popular musical “Hamilton”, the English King George III is humorously portrayed as a mad villain. However, a new biography of King George claims that he was not the tyrant portrayed in the musical “Hamilton” or in the American Declaration of Independence. If Georg was the cruel despot that the Americans believed him to be, he would have stopped their desire for independence with extreme “scorched earth” methods. However, the king was restrained by his “civilized, good-natured” character.

Who knows if King George died with regret in his heart? Would his rule have been more successful if he had been more severe with his subjects?

Not necessarily. The Bible tells about King Jehoram, who strengthened his power by “slaying all his brothers with the sword, as well as some of Israel’s superiors” (2 Chron. 21:4). Yehoram “did… evil in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 6). His cruel rule alienated the people from him, who neither mourned his terrible death nor “burned incense for him” (v. 19).

Historians may debate whether Georg was too lenient; as for Yehoram, he was really cruel. The best is King Jesus, full of “grace and truth” (John 1:14). Christ’s expectations are high: He demands truth and shows grace. Jesus calls us to follow him. He helps us to do this through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Who should you lead? How to show grace and truth to them?

Lord Jesus, I seek to bring others to You.

Author: Mike Whittmer