The election was still two weeks away, but the line snaked around the building as I stood with other voters, wearing masks and spaced six feet apart. While a pandemic raged around us, we showed up and waited as long as it took to cast our vote. Millions of Americans did the same, because we believe that, especially in times of difficulty, it matters who’s in charge.
When the Old Testament prophets spoke of the Messiah, they spoke of a king. This king would reign on the throne of David forever. But this king would be different from the line of kings that followed King David, many of whom were wicked, foolish leaders. Isaiah prophesied about this Messiah-King:
“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 9:7)
“Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice.” (Isaiah 32:1)
The King of all creation humbled Himself to take on flesh, walk and talk with man, and suffer and die for His people. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection demonstrated His sovereignty over this world and His sound defeat of His enemies. Now Christ the King is exalted by the Father and seated in glory at the Father’s right hand (Ephesians 2:20-21, Philippians 2:8-9).
In Revelation 19:16, we find the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy:
“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16)
As we look at the chaos and challenges around us, we don’t have to wonder who’s ultimately in charge. Our good and faithful King, our Savior Jesus Christ, reigns now and forever.
This is one of the wonders of Christmas: the infant about whom we sing “Away in a Manger” is also the Savior about whom we sing, “Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.” As we celebrate, our hope is in righteous, just, eternal kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
No matter what you face this week, Jesus Christ reigns as the righteous King of kings and Lord of lords. Merry Christmas, friends!
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