The Real King Still Reigns
Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. —Romans 8:34
Today is inauguration day. Some people are excited for new leadership. Others are awaiting in nervous anticipation of the chaos that may come. Still others are hunkered down in fear that the country and the world will fall apart. Let me give you some assurance with a quote from John Newton: “There is one political maxim which comforts me: ‘The Lord reigns.’”
The Lord Jesus Christ is exalted as the Sovereign and majestic Lord of the universe. He is the Ruler who reigns and rules over all, who possesses all might and power and is full of all wisdom and truth. He is the One who is going to destroy and utterly eliminate sin and evil in the world. He is the One who is going to establish a kingdom of righteousness, justice, love, and truth in the new heavens and earth.
It is Jesus Christ, not another, who rules and reigns over the universe. This stirs enormous assurance in the hearts of genuine believers. Why? Because Jesus Christ has demonstrated His glorious love and care for the world. He not only can, but He will look after us and work all things out for good until He returns. The control of evil in the world and our lives are under His care. He is working all things out for good to those of us who truly love Him and are called according to His purpose. The believer has the greatest assurance imaginable: he shall be delivered from the struggling and suffering of this world. No matter the sin and shame of his life, if he truly comes to Christ, he is not condemned. He is not judged for sin, no matter how terrible or how far he has fallen. If he will only come to Christ, Christ will deliver him. Christ will not leave him down, discouraged, and defeated. Christ will not even scold or reproach him. Christ will receive His dear child with open arms.
Christ has been exalted for us. He is our exalted Lord. He sits face to face with God at His right hand. It is he who reigns on the throne of life and not even government or president can supersede his control and power over the universe.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28
