The Reign of the King

Open Your Bible

Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 28:1-10, Matthew 28:16-18, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15-23, Revelation 19:11-16

Jesus demonstrated His authority as the true Son of God, who now rules at the right hand of the Father. 


They sat on a mountain in Galilee, worshiping. There were eleven of them in total, not including Jesus, listening to His words as He drew close. Some of the disciples had their doubts, so Jesus had to reassure them that He was a trustworthy leader. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth,” He said (Matthew 28:18). If the disciples were going to carry out the Great Commission, teaching others what Christ taught them, they needed to know He was for real. It wouldn’t have been enough simply to spread the sayings of a wise teacher around the world. 

When I’m weary of corrupt, worldly leaders and don’t know who to trust, I find so much comfort knowing Jesus is the true King with complete authority. It gives me the deepest sigh of relief. When we look to His leadership, we don’t have to worry about emotional manipulation or strategies to protect His self-image. His reign isn’t abusive or neglectful. It’s fully present and vigilant, just and merciful, all at once. He is the “King of kings and LORD of lords” who entered our world first as a servant and whose kingdom will never end (Revelation 19:16; Philippians 2:7). That’s a leader I want to follow. 

Some days, I confess it’s hard to picture Jesus as my King. I’m so used to the gospel accounts, which tell the story of an everyday-looking man in street clothes, who took strolls by the Sea of Galilee and enjoyed a good plate of food. I’m so used to talking to Jesus like a close friend. Praying to Him from my bed at night, as I pour out my sorrows and joys that only He knows. When I picture our Savior enthroned with a scepter, or some other sign of royalty, I get a little intimidated. Is He really the same? The same tender presence that comforts my broken heart and welcomes my very average piano playing as an offering of worship? 

The beauty of the gospel is that yes, He is. He’s both. Jesus Christ is our all-powerful King with unparalleled authority, and He’s also the risen Jewish teacher who still has scars on His hands.

What does it mean for Jesus to reign as King today—right now? Whether it feels like it or not, He is already King, and His reign is actively at work. He’s been “given dominion and glory and a kingdom” so all might know and worship Him (Daniel 7:14). But we also know that His kingdom is not fully as it will be when sin, evil, and corruption are weeded out for good. Once this happens, His reign as King will be undeniable by all. Together, we look forward with anticipation to His promised, never-ending rule and reign. I can hardly wait. 

(98) Comments
[x]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

98 thoughts on "The Reign of the King"

  1. Carolyn Carleton says:

    Today all that comes to mind is the word Hope.

    Tina- thank you for your comment, it was a welcome message for my heart.

  2. Kim Thompson says:

    You are absolutely right Katie! Thank you for sharing! I’m so sorry you’re going through trials! I pray you find peace and comfort!

  3. Katie Mendez says:

    I have found so much peace in knowing this kingdom isn’t my home throughout a difficult divorce and the turmoil in our country. Gods kingdom is my ultimate home, where the shame and guilt of a broken marriage will no longer haunt me. Thankful for my Lord and Savior! I am loving this study on the kingdom of God. It is so timely with our current political situation (no matter which way you lean, you know there is manipulation and greed leading rather than a just and noble leader).

  4. Sara Fulford Greaney says:

    The ABSOLUTE comfort that I take in Him being THE TRUE King, is all I need to sustain me and comfort me through anything!!! HE is the Truth! And knowing that brings such powerful peace.

  5. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    Amen

  6. Sarah H says:

    It is such a comfort to know that Gods Kingdom is here now, and that He is the one leader we can absolutely trust wholeheartedly. Who always has our best interest at heart. It stresses me out so much listening to our political leaders and the news, so many lies and hidden agendas and manipulation. But I try to take a deep breathe and remember who I serve. The one who is so beautifully described in Philippians 2: 5-11, the one to whom every knee will bow.

  7. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love the fact that we serve a God who is holy and eternal. Government leaders can sometimes be so hard to trust. I’m glad we serve a God who is so worthy of our trust and faith.

  8. Hope Trent says:

    Hi Victoria. I too just experienced this. I will say this has been the toughest season of my life. God has taught me a lot about myself. My marriage. And my true desire to be a mother. We are still trying. It’s been 6 months of waiting. I am there with you and feel your hurt. I pray that God will reveal to you the tenderness of his love and the power to heal and overcome but also the wisdom to understand His will for your life.