King of Kings

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev 19:16)

Therefore God has 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. (Ph 2:9-11)

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” (Heb 1:8)

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way …” (Ps 2:11-12a)

Lord Jesus, You sit on the throne at the right hand of the Father. Forever You are king, and forever You shall reign over all other kings, for in Your presence, they are not kings at all. I bow my soul to the king of kings.

One day the President of the United States will be forgotten, the Premier of China will have no power, and the Prime Minister of England will be dust. One day these rulers will meet their king. When that happens, they will bow to Jesus of Nazareth — the king of kings.

The Bible is plain that Jesus outranks all other authorities. He is the ultimate commander in chief. He rules over all, and He is king because of who He is. He was not elected to His position, and He does not answer to the people. He did not attain His status through a coup or a war. He has always been the king of kings, and He shall always be the king of kings. He rules over every authority as God (Heb 1:8). He reigns over Earth because He made it (Jn 1:2; Col 1:16). He has authority to forgive all sins (Mk 2:1-12). He is the final judge of the human race, and all people must honor Him just as they honor the Father (Jn 5:22-23). He has life in himself (Jn 5:21). He is the resurrection and the life (Jn 11:25). All who believe in Him will never die (v. 26). He is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6). He is the unique Son of God and the glorious Son of Man. He receives worship (Mt 2:11; 14:33; 28:9). He is higher than the angels (Heb 1:1-6). He existed before Abraham (Jn 8:58).

The follower of Jesus must come to grips with this aspect of Jesus. Christ is not just a babe in a manger or a tragic victim of Roman oppression. He is the author of the whole story, the exalted ruler of heaven and earth. Deny this, and you deny God Himself. Embrace this, and God radically changes your life.  Acknowledging the rightful king is part of being a citizen of the kingdom of God.