No matter how independent and self-reliant we seek to be, it is good for us to be led by a benevolent King! In J. R. R. Tolkien’s concluding episode “Return of the King,” Middle Earth’s rightful king, Aragorn, leads the humans in one last, all-out attempt to turn back the forces of evil. After many costly battles, there’s a glorious coronation day for the triumphant king. As the crown is placed on the head of the rightful ruler before this jubilant crowd of his subjects, they know the dark days are over. And the one who crowned him makes this hope-filled announcement – “Now begin the days of the King!”

It might be time for that announcement in our lives – that the rightful King is finally on the throne, because up until now, perhaps we have been trying to do it all ourselves. Making all the calls, running things totally our own way, giving Jesus little time or attention, and certainly not granting Him the rightful throne of our lives.

In “Return of the King,” there’s a man who is supposed to be the caretaker of the throne until the rightful ruler takes his place there. But when it comes time for the king to take the throne, the caretaker refuses to let go of it. He has to be forcibly and violently overthrown. We must not wait for that to happen to us. Jesus is the King of all kings. He is the Lord of all lords. He alone is fully trustworthy at the throne of our lives where He is supposed to reign supreme! That gives us assurance and confidence and real hope.

In 1 Peter 3:15 God reveals this straightforward command: “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” Notice it says, “in your heart.” A lot of people are willing to let Christ be an honorary manager of their life, but they’re still doing what they want to do, deciding which things Jesus can run and which things they will not let Him run. Jesus tears the mask off that charade with His penetrating question in Luke 6:46 , “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Lord in our head, Lord in our philosophy of life, even Lord in our vocabulary – that’s not what “Lord” means! “Lord” is the one who is welcomed and supported and allowed to be running things.

The original word for “Lord” literally means, “the controller.” We must honestly ask ourselves about who we are allowing to be the controller in our lives. If it’s not Jesus, then things will never be really right. Today could be one of the most liberating, most decisive days of your life, if you would make this Coronation Day for the One who is the nail-scarred, death-conquering, rightful King of you. Find a place where you can bow before King Jesus today and surrender it all to Him. This is where you can relinquish a throne that has cost you so much to occupy. Now, today, begin the days of The King!