Why is it so hard for a good man to be king? Reflections from Black Panther
“WAKANDA FOREVER!”
On Valentines day, Marvel released its latest superhero onto the big screen: T’Challa the Black Panther. The movie had audiences captivated and chanting along to the battle cry of Wakanda, an African nation of incredible wealth and technology due to the presence of a rare resource called Vibranium.
The movie begins with T’Challa ascending to the throne, and assuming the role of the Black Panther after his father, T’Chaka dies. There is a thought provoking scene where father and son reunite in the spiritual realm, and T’Chaka passes on words of advice:
“You are a good man, with a good heart. And it’s hard for a good man to be a king.” – T’Chaka
This quote builds on the superhero message passed on by Uncle Ben to Spiderman, “with great power comes great responsibility”, but it made me think: why is it so hard for a good man to be king?
Although T’Challa is a king with a good heart, his sovereign authority is challenged by leaders of different tribes, and ultimately by Killmonger, the on-screen villain who was successful in overthrowing T’Challa, and taking the crown. It was a devastating moment that transported me back to the day I bawled my eyes out in the Lion King, when Mufasa was killed by his brother Scar. The good king was dead. Evil triumphs! How can this be!?
Why do bad things happen to good kings? Is this reality a reflection of the king, or the people they are called to lead? Interestingly, the Bible doesn’t shy away from challenging its readers with the same question.
The Bible is a story of God’s rescue plan for the world. The story begins with God choosing Israel, a small and insignificant nation, to be his treasured people. When the Israelites are captured by the Egyptians to be slaves, God hears their cries and initiates a rescue plan. By parting the Red Sea and providing heavenly bread for them in the desert, God demonstrates his supernatural power and generosity to his people. (Exodus 15)
Instead of responding with gratefulness to the King of the universe, the Israelites cried for autonomy. They grumbled for more stuff, worshiped other gods, and even made demands for a new king. Instead of trusting in God’s rule, they wanted to rule themselves.
“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” – Judges 21:25
As the human kings of Israel spiral out of control, God sends His Son Jesus to fight on the front lines. In his time on earth, Jesus established his authority over all of creation. He turned water into wine, healed the sick, calmed the stormy seas, and even raised people from the dead. You would expect a man so powerful to be seated with the top dogs of the religious community, but Jesus chose to associate with ‘sinners’ and social outcasts. (Mark 2:15-17) He never took advantage of his power, choosing instead to forgive and teach, with patience and grace. In his time on earth, Jesus showed us the power and goodness of God’s kingdom, and yet he was betrayed, rejected and crucified by his own people.
The Bible shows us that in our fallen world, bad things can happen to good kings because the human heart is self seeking. Growing up in a Western society that celebrates Individualism, I was taught that I had the freedom to call the shots. I can decide for myself, what I believe is ‘good’ for me. I should follow my heart, even if my heart is proud and selfish.
If I’m honest with myself, I don’t want to be ruled by a good king, I want to BE king! Like Killmonger, I want to make decisions that benefit me. I want stuff from God, without having to follow God. In my everyday pride, I commit treason against God, and yet instead of being punished, Jesus takes the punishment on my behalf.
The crucifixion of Jesus is the most tragic and beautiful moment of human history, because he didn’t stay dead. Three days after his death, Jesus resurrected, proving he has authority over life’s greatest enemy – death! The good king lives, and anyone who puts their faith in Jesus will be forgiven and inherit eternal life (John 3:16).
“Wakanda Forever!” is the cry of every human heart for a safe and prosperous home, protected by a good and powerful king. Jesus is that King. He didn’t just come to share technology or precious Vibranium – he came to give us his whole life. And one day, he will return to gather his people from every tribe and nation into a restored world, where he will rule as the Good King forever:
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying:
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
– Revelation 21:3-5
Will you accept the invitation to follow King Jesus?
