I love this picture of my grandson and the banner which reads: “I Am A Son of the King – Who is not moved by the world. For my God is with me and goes before me. I do not fear because I am His.”

When our kids were growing up our family tradition was to always to ask each one before they left for school, “Who are you?” They would respond “A son” or “daughter of the King.”

We wanted them to remember their identity wasn’t going to come from accomplishments, grades, sports, or what any one else thought about them. It was based on who the Father thought they were. The Father saw their worth in Christ as royalty!

This is at the heart of what Holy Season is all about as expressed in Psalm 103: 1-5. Our souls can shout out in praise for the work of Christ who has brought total forgiveness to us, a powerful everlasting healing, and allowed us to break out of the grips of hell so that we can live as royalty.  Notice the second half of verse 4:

“He crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.”

When the Father broke His Son out of the confines of the grave on Resurrection morning a new Kingdom exploded. And since that day everyone who receives that Kingdom by faith is crowned by the Father as His beloved sons and daughters. We share in Christ’s reign and royalty. We have been handed the mandate to live like empowered kings and queens spreading Christ’s love and mercy to the ends of the earth.

The past few days we have been blessed to have a team of young people with us in South Africa doing just that.  Hugging hurting children, feeding the hungry, worshiping with brothers and sisters from different back grounds, and making time to be still, listen to the Father’s voice, and be reminded that each one is special and unique son or daughter of the King.

It is hard to explain but something profound happens in hearts that begin to wear the crown and live it out. His Kingdom comes and invades the soul. His will begins to be lived out and heaven invades earth. The KING shows up and it makes your soul want to shout His praise.

My grandson can’t read yet but I know his mom and dad will remind him as he grows older of the truths expressed in the words posted above his crib. Perhaps all of us can take this idea and post a similar banner as we leave our homes to remind ourselves that we are wearing a victor’s crown of love and mercy that our world so desperately needs.

As you finish reading this blog, I ask the question, “Who are you?

*picture of grandson used with permission