Jesus is “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1Tim.6:15)
Lord Jesus, this verse is an apt and awe-fueling summary of what the Bible affirms about you. Hallelujah, you and only you are “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:5) and “king of the nations” (Rev.15:3)—sovereign over our hairs, hours, heartaches, and “Hooray’s!” Indeed, “there will be no end to the increase of your government and peace” (Isa.9:7).
This is the true and best news—the transcendent, eternal reality in which we rest and rejoice today. Over the past several days, I’ve experienced delight, dismay, and disgust over how easily world leaders can make choices that change the life and lifestyle my neighbors and the nations. If I wasn’t certain you already occupy the throne of heaven, I would despair (Rev.4). Only your “executive orders” last forever—Hallelujah! Human ink, ultimately will prove to be invisible ink on papers that are destined to burn. “Whew!”
Some countries will experience today as “monarch for a moment”—for power changes hands as quickly as the weather. Other communities live under “tyrant by terror”—whoever can create more fear, trauma, and evil gets to call the shots and enrich themselves. But as those who belong to you, we joyfully reaffirm our most defining “citizenship is in heaven” (Phil.3:20).
Lord Jesus, you are our life and righteousness, our freedom and hope, our God, King, Savior, and Bridegroom. We crave your return, the fullness of your Kingdom, and our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. But you are no less King today than you will be then. Until the Day of all things new, we purpose to live and love to your glory. So Very Amen.