Day 3

The Reign of the King

from the The Kingdom of God reading plan


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

BY Bailey Gillespie

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. 

Post Comments (98)

98 thoughts on "The Reign of the King"

  1. Maggie Wampler says:

    Giving Him authority over the things in my life is scary, but it will only ever reap goodness and joy. I need to trust Him with it all!!!

  2. Suzie McRae says:

    Love this prayer

  3. Norma Toledo says:

    ♥️

  4. Laurel Lail says:

    Praise the King of Kings!

  5. Achol Kenyang says:

    As I read these beautifully written words? I’m reminded of how consumed my thoughts world have become. It’s as though I’ve gotten about the eternal glory that awaits us on Jesus return.

  6. Mary Kellison says:

    ❤️

  7. Mary Kellison says:

    I don’t know why this spoke to me tonight. I leaned over to my husband after catching up with the news. I looked in his eves and said, “I don’t belong here anymore!” My husband grabbed my hand and loving looked into my eyes and said, “We never have belonged here.” Those words were so comforting to us. Knowing that brings so much peace and comfort.

  8. Melissa Mcronney says:

    Praise God

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