THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST

Rev. Linh N. Nguyen

The biblical teaching that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the Old Testament promises of a perfect King and reigns over His people and the universe. The Old Testament hope for the future included a vision of a new king like David, called the anointed one, or the Messiah in Hebrew.

“Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16)

The prophet Isaiah intensified the promises and pointed to the Messiah yet to come. Especially in this Sunday’s first reading, Daniel contained a vision of one like a son of man to whom was given dominion, glory, and kingdom, one whom all peoples, nations, and languages would serve. His dominion is everlasting and shall never pass away. His kingdom shall never be destroyed by.

As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)

When Jesus Christ was born, His birth was announced in these categories. His earthly ministry then amplified these themes.

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

“He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33)

Similarly, John the Baptist proclaimed the presence of God’s kingdom in the coming of Jesus. The theme of Jesus as King, Ruler, or Lord dominates the New Testament from beginning to end. We find the culmination of this theme with the Lord seated on a throne, His enemies being made subject to Him and a new name given:

“He has a name written on his cloak and on his thigh, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16)

The Kingship of Christ is a spiritual realm established in the hearts and lives of believers. He administers His kingdom by spiritual means – the Word and the Spirit. Whenever believers follow the lordship of Christ, the Savior is exercising His ruling or kingly function.

Almighty, everlasting God,

Who in Your beloved Son,

King of the whole world,

has willed to restore all things anew;

grant in Your Mercy that all the families of nations,

rent asunder by the wound of sin,

may be subjected to His most gentle rule.

Who with You lives and reigns world without end.

Amen.