Jesus—“the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1Tim.6:15)
Lord Jesus, some things simply are not debatable, including the Apostle Paul’s bold affirmation in our morning verse. You alone are “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords—”ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:5) and “king of the nations” (Rev.15:3). Hallelujah and “Whew!”
Today we sing with joy, “The world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever” (Rev.11:15). Indeed, “there will be no end to the increase of your government and peace” (Isa.9:7). This is our Father’s decree and your joy—the good news in which we rest today, tomorrow, and forever. Wherever we live, may your eternal kingship, current reign, and coming kingdom determine how we steward our national citizenship.
Many nations are used to having a “monarch for a moment”—for power changes hands as quickly as the weather. Other places suffer “tyrants by terror”—whoever can create more fear, trauma, and evil gets to call the shots (literally). Then there are countries with prime ministers (past their prime), absolute monarchs (absolutely bent on enriching themselves), others with good premiers under constant threat of coup d’état. You are singularly different, Lord Jesus.
As those who belong to you, we reaffirm our most defining and peace-giving citizenship is in heaven (Phil.3:20). We don’t just bow our knees to you, we surrender our hearts, hands, and remaining days to you. We eagerly await your return and the fullness that Day will bring; but you are no less King today than you will be then. Until every knee bows and every tongue confesses you as Lord (Phil.2:10-11), Jesus, we want to live and love to your glory. So Very Amen.