But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” Heb. 1:8–9
Lord Jesus, nothing affects our lives more than how we think about you. The more we see you as the main character in the Scriptures, the more we conclude only you are worthy of our adoration, affection, and allegiance. A million years into the life of heaven, we’ll be even more certain of your magnificence.
Today we marvel at your joyful kingship, revealed in this passage from Hebrews. You delight to crush evil, and you rejoice in making all things new. You never experience consternation, just constant jubilation—no dread, just ceaseless delight. Your kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:7).
The government of the cosmos already rests on your shoulders, and you are the ruler of the kings of the earth. Your enemies are being made your footstool, and the reach and peace of your reign are expanding all the time. Open the eyes of our hearts to see what remains hidden to the naked eye.
And, marvel of marvels, the joy that marks your heart and reign is the same joy you ask the Father to fill us with (John 17:13). May it be, Jesus. May an increase in our joy topple our fears, gentle our hearts, and fuel our worship.
May your joy be the fire we need for doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. May it empower us to love difficult people, in messy stories, with a peace that passes understanding.
Jesus, your throne will last forever and ever, and your kingdom will never end. This makes us fabulously glad, and it intensifies our longing for your return. So very Amen we pray, in your exalted and kind name.