King: A Christian's Call to Imitate Christ's Kingship

by J. Aaron Gruben

Kings stride in the mists of our imaginations and occupy a favored seat in our stories, our histories, and even our headlines. But did you know that you are called by God to be kingly yourself? The Bible teaches that Christ is our Great Prophet, Priest, and King, and we as Christ's followers are called to imitate Him in these qualities. This small volume, which brings together riveting historical narratives and engrossing theological observations, is a meditation on what our kingship under Christ means. You will be challenged to imitate Christ's kingly characteristics and explore your role as a little king under the great King of kings.

236 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2012

About the author

I grew up in the Southwest and currently live in Texas with my wife and six children where I work full time as a veterinarian. I've been writing for over 20 years and am the author of works of varied genres. An article about the Crusades inspired me to start writing historically accurate stories – especially on topics that have become either distorted by political or social bias or have been forgotten by today’s general public. The major goals of my writing are to bring honor to Christ and to edify, entertain, and educate readers.

When not writing or repairing sick animals, I enjoy reading, hiking, dancing with toddlers, yodeling, playing board games, and playing a variety of musical instruments. I travel to conventions with my publishing company, Post Tenebras Lux Books, which strives to improve lives and revitalize old truths through quality Christian stories and studies.

Reviews

[Catherine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every non-fiction book should be written like this. And yet I have never seen another book even close to the brilliant style and layout of this one. Combined with the superb prose, I can honestly say this is one of the best books I have ever read. Truly a read for every Christian with a wish to walk worthy of Christ! Each chapter has historical fiction done to perfection, linked in a fascinating way with historical facts, and then all tied together seamlessly with the character of Christ, and the practical applications of a Christian's walk. I learn so much, on so many different levels, every time I read this work! And I have read it at least three times now, and I know I will read it again. :) Seriously, if you have any interest at all in history or your great King, you have to check this book out. You'll never find another work like it. And you'll never find a better one on the subject.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding historical research coupled with timeless Biblical principles . This is a must have for every library.

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Each chapter is graced with historical fiction or history facts about kingship and then follows with biblical terms on prophets, priests, and kings as a believer of Jesus Christ. If you enjoy reading history, or knowing history facts, and a history major, you may absolutely enjoy the opening chapters of this book. However, this was not the case for me. I dived into the biblical aspects to gain any insight or knowledge and how it can be applicable as a Christian (believe of Christ).

I greatly wanted to enjoy this read except the historical, factual comparisons to biblical information lost me in translation and passages I had to bypass. I understand that the author’s main purpose is to edify, entertain, and educate readers; I felt an overload of being heavily historically educated than entertained. I can see edification happening in this read. There was some passage that I am familiar with and greatly liked on rulership: self, family, work, etc. (in chapter 3: Varied Rule). We should get our homes right first before doing it in the church; serve our families before the church.
My favorite line in the reading: “We are to follow god’s lead and stamp our creative handiwork on his creation…” I abide to this, believing, that we are in His likeness and His creation, whereas he allows us to create like our Creator.

Overall, I didn’t like it as I would have hoped—an okay read. The main chapter I enjoyed was the last one.

*This book was received to provide an honest review for Christian review group. (This is not my normal or typical read but selected in a Christian review group and gave it a go.)

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm slightly biased, but this really is a great look at Christ the King and our calling to follow Him in that aspect. With interesting history and solid Biblical Scripture, truths, and applications, this is an inspiring and practical help for your Christian walk.

[Christina Eastwood]

An exuberant book which calls Christians to follow the example of Christ and be kings for their Saviour in all areas of life. The author uses examples of kingship taken from history. Sometimes his enthusiasm carries him away in pushing the analogies he chooses too far. Remarks such as "If a man's home is his castle, I should make mine such a castle it would be the envy of every man on earth," (p.57) or "It's possible to just squeak into heaven saving our skins but not our honor," are unwise. Worldly people struggle to make sure they live in a pleasant "safe" area (p.102) but I would suggest that Christians are often prepared to live among poor neighbours in order to witness to them, trusting the Lord for protection. The emphasis on winning treasure or reward in heaven also lack balance. Surely, if we have treasure in heaven our one thought will be to cast it at Jesus' feet!
Nevertheless this is a very encouraging read with plenty of food for thought and some fascinating history along the way.