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Imagine a kingdom under the rule of a perfect king. A king, or ruler, who is always just and good. Someone who values love, dignity, and truth. A king who cares for every kingdom citizen, and reigns with perfect wisdom. Can you think of any earthly kingdom like this in history? I can’t, but there is a King like this. His name is Jesus.
Jesus has reigned from the beginning of time. Colossians 1:15-16 says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” No other authority is greater than Jesus. He established all things under Him for His own glory, especially humanity. We were created to rule over creation under the King’s authority, but not in place of His authority. But this has not always been the case.
Humanity has an issue with authority. Instead of submitting willfully we rebel pridefully. We would rather be in control than let God have control. Our rebellion continues to cause chaos and corruption in our lives, our families, our communities and in our countries.
But Jesus promised a kingdom of hope. All through the Bible we read of people rebelling against God’s authority, and yet He promised to forgive and restore. The prophet Isaiah says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) This sounds amazing! God promises to send a King, a ruler, who will be wise, mighty, peaceful, and eternal. He will rule with justice and righteousness. What a King!
The people longed for this King to come. And the King came! But they did not recognize him. They rejected the King and had him killed on a cross. Luke tells us, “And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:35-38) It seemed all was lost. The King is dead. The hope of restoration fell short. Or did it…
Amazingly Jesus rose from the dead on the third day having conquered sin and death for all humanity. He paid the debt of rebellion with his own life justifying those who believe in Him and making peace with God by his death. And by His resurrection he triumphed over death to give us hope. Colossians 2:15 says, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Jesus’ victory over sin and death assures us of an eternal life in close relationship with God.
And now King Jesus sits on the throne awaiting the moment He returns to finally end the chaos and corruption of our rebellion. This king’s wisdom, might, justice, righteousness, forgiveness, hope, and love are available to those who submit to His authority even today. And there will be a day when His kingdom is fully established, and everyone will know Jesus is king. Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”