August 26, 2004

KING OF KINGS

"And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:16, NKJV).

This is the ultimate royal title of Jesus: "King of kings and Lord of lords." It focuses on Christ at the consummation of all things when God will put His universe back in the perfect order in which it was created.

Through the varying stages of the plan of redemption, Christ has been the pivotal figure as sacrifice, Saviour, Redeemer, deliverer, and intercessor. Now, at the climax of the ages, with the victory won, He emerges in absolute supremacy as King of kings forever. In this final stage, our Lord appears in power and great glory to gather together the redeemed of all ages (see Matthew 24:30). He will terminate the present world order (see Daniel 2:44); eradicate every vestige of sin (see 1 Peter 3:12); inaugurate the eternal reign of new earth glory (see Daniel 7:14); and reign supreme as King of kings (see Revelation 11:15).

At His first advent, Jesus was born to be king (see Matthew 2:2). At His second advent, He will come to reign as King. In His first advent, Jesus came as a babe in a manger. At the second advent, He comes in power and great glory. Then every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (see Philippians 2:10, 11). Ellen White paints this pen picture of the coming King of kings: "No language can describe the glory of the scene. The living cloud of majesty and unsurpassed glory came still nearer, and we could clearly behold the lovely person of Jesus. He did not wear a crown of thorns, but a crown of glory rested upon His holy brow. Upon His vesture and thigh was a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords."--Early Writings, p. 286.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I eagerly await your grand return as King of kings. Amen.