"King of kings"

The Bible teaches us that government exists by the authority of God (Romans 13:1-10), and that citizens are to submit themselves to the government (vs. 1; 1 Peter 2:13). But, the Bible also teaches that there is a King who is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). His power is supreme, and the term of his power is for all time. His name is Jesus.

Men who govern any nation are flawed men, and their power is limited. They serve their terms in office, and then their term ends. While earthly rulers would like to think otherwise, their impact on the world is temporary and limited. In fact, their power is over the minute their predecessors assume the office.

As hard as it is to believe, the world does not revolve around mere men who wear crowns. The world revolves around Jesus Christ, the King of kings. In fact, the earth revolves because of Jesus Christ!  Paul said of Jesus: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:16). And he went on to say: “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist" (vs. 17). No earthly potentate, no matter how influential, is the creator of the earth. That title is reserved for our Lord.

Jesus is not subject to term limits. On the day of Pentecost, A.D. 33, Jesus was declared by Peter to be ruling at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33). The history of the world has continued for 2,000 years since the sermon of Peter, and Jesus still sits ruling at God’s right hand. According to the Hebrew writer, Jesus “ever lives” to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). If the earth continues to exist for several thousand (or million) more years, Jesus will still be on His throne, serving as our King.

Jesus truly cares for us. Every government official wants us to believe he or she cares for the people they rule. With Jesus, it isn’t just a slogan on a placard. Jesus cares so much that He gave His life for all of us. In fact, Jesus died for sinners (Romans 5:6-7).

Earthly rulers will come and go. The laws they make are only as good as the men who make them; some will last, others will not. But, the laws of Jesus Christ are immutable, and they must be obeyed by all who wish to be saved (Acts 5:29; Hebrews 5:8-9). No matter who rules over a nation, all men must serve Jesus. He is the final authority in everything.

Adapted From David Weaks