Let All Men Know

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

In the eleventh century King Canute had an empire stretching from England to Norway. Though born a pagan, he later became a devout Christian. He built many churches in England and Denmark, and he sent missionaries to evangelize the Scandinavian lands.

 

Because of the king’s success in battle, his people practically worshipped him. Their praise made him uncomfortable, and he wanted to demonstrate once and for all who the true King is. So one day he ordered his servants to take his throne to the seashore. His servants followed his orders and set his throne on the beach. Then Canute sat on the throne and waited for the tide to come in.

 

All around King Canute, his attendants and courtiers watched and waited and wondered whether the king had lost his mind. The tide rose, and the waves lapped at the king’s feet. Canute raised his hands and commanded the waters to depart. Still the tide rose, and the waters came up to the king’s waist, then his chest, and finally his neck. At this point, the king’s attendants, fearing he would drown, waded in and pulled the king and his throne back to the shore.

 

Then King Canute scanned the faces of those who had rescued him. “Let all men know,” he said, “how empty and worthless is the power of kings. For there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey.”

 

Returning to his castle, Canute went to the crucifix on the wall and hung his own crown on the brow of the crucified Christ. The crown remained there until the king’s death—a reminder of the glory that belongs to Christ alone.

 

This man from the Middle Ages understood true majesty, and he wouldn’t allow anyone to miss out on this Truth. Do you think his subjects ever forgot this astonishing example of humility and surrender to Christ? How might you point the people in your life to the King of kings?

 

Prayer: Lord, You alone are worthy of all honor and praise. I pray that, as I submit my will to Yours, those around me would see Your glory and join me in worship of the only true King. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-10).


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Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.