There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

~Galatians 3:28 NASB

In the old film Anna and the King, the heroin, Anna, serves the King of Siam by teaching his children. In one scene, the king gives a banquet. The setting was proper since many of the guests were cultured English people. The king suggested that they finish the meal by dancing a waltz. He arose from the table and put his hand out to Anna. She was surprised and did not know quite what to do. The English guests looked shocked, and the Siamese were horrified. Reluctantly, she stood to her feet. Soon, she found herself dancing with the king.

Dancing with Others

As they walked down the steps to the dance area, Anna looked at the king apprehensively and said, “It’s been a long time since I have done this. Let’s not end up in a heap.”

“I am king,” he replied. “I will lead.”

They danced, and the atmosphere in the hall changed. Every eye in the room moved with each step as the couple glided gracefully across the floor. They almost seemed inseparable. Her eyes never left his face. She was oblivious to everything but him. His beaming face expressed pleasure in his choice for the dance.

Soon, everyone in the banquet room realized this was no mere dance. The king had deemed a servant girl worthy of his embrace. His acceptance and pleasure in her elevated her status. The crowd watched as a self-conscious young girl who had allowed her king to lead was transformed into a secure and confident young woman. From that dance forward, Anna would never be the same.

Women in our culture are being sold a bill of goods. Voices tell them, “You can be just as good as a man.” This is a step down because they are already equal to men. Some would say that Christianity denigrates and makes women second-class citizens. Yet, this was not true when Jesus lived on earth. In a culture that genuinely did subjugate women, they were always there for Jesus, in good times and bad. Women stood by Him at His death.

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him.

~Mark 16:1 NASB

Women surrounded Jesus because they knew He accepted them and always added worth and value to their lives. He did not suppress women; instead, He liberated them.

Dancing with the King

Yet, there is a King so much greater than the King of Siam, and His name is King Jesus. With a look of approval, He always has His hand out to us. He gazes upon us like a groom, watching his bride-to-be approaching Him on their wedding day.

So, take hold of Christ’s hand and let Him lead. God’s love is holy and transcends gender. Always be aware of His pleasure in you as His choice. Keep your eyes trained on His, and never allow anything to distract you from His presence. Follow His footsteps, and watch Him elevate you to a status that no one can obtain by themselves. Nothing the world offers can emulate what Christ offers. So, dance on with the King. He will never let His bride end up in a heap.

Make time in life to go dancing with the King.

Father, give me the time and opportunities to dance with You so I might realize who I am in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Dancing with the King: Ken Barnes: All Rights Reserved