CHRIST THE COMING KING
Imagine for a moment what it would have been like just before Jesus’ birth. The Israelites were eagerly awaiting the Messiah—a promised ruler who would establish a righteous and eternal kingdom. Under Roman occupation, they faced major oppression: heavy taxation, harsh governance, and limited autonomy. At the same time, religious corruption and legalism among the Pharisees and Sadducees fuelled a desperate cry for a spiritual leader who could bring reform and fulfill the Law. They longed for a saviour to right the injustice—a Messiah who would bring peace, deliverance, equality, and fairness to all.
As Jesus began His ministry, His disciples and followers must have believed it was only a matter of time before He fulfilled the promise and established His rule on earth. When He rode into Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion, the excitement and anticipation of Him ascending the throne as King of Kings would have been palpable. But as we know, events did not unfold as many had anticipated.
Instead, Jesus went to the cross, purchasing us with His blood. He was indeed the Saviour of all, but the dream of Him taking a physical throne at that time was not to be. Instead, He fulfilled His purpose in a way that was hidden from His followers at the time. The Father’s plan was far greater than they could have imagined—He established His eternal rule and made a way for us to truly become His children and co-heirs with Christ.
Fast forward to the present—are our longings so different from those prior to Jesus’ birth? In a world filled with uncertainty and increasing division, there is an intrinsic ache for a King to come and make things right. People, whether they know Jesus or not, long for a leader who can restore order, peace, and justice. Sadly, we often misplace that desire, putting our hope in earthly, fallible leaders.When I see people stressed about government, I try to remember that their longing may stem from this deep-rooted desire for a righteous ruler. Whether they realize it or not, they are longing for Jesus to return!
As believers, we know that our King is coming. He will return, and when He does, He will lead with love and righteousness. He will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain. At the appointed time, the King of Kings will rule. We have that hope, and we can share it.
But we have more than just hope for the future—Christ is ruling in our hearts even now. Though He is not physically here at this time, His Spirit is moving in our midst. We have the assurance that, regardless of our circumstances, “all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
As we approach the Christmas season, amidst all the busyness, remember that the child we celebrate as a babe in a manger is currently seated on a throne as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He sacrificed his life so that we could be in relationship with Him now.
I encourage you to take some time and engage with this prayer, “Jesus, you created me to be in relationship with You. I thank you that you came to bring salvation to the world. I receive you as my King and surrender every aspect of my life to you. I thank you that as much as I long for You to return, I can be in close communion with you now through the Holy Spirit and welcome your leading. Thank you that you will come again as King but that regardless of when that is, You are my King now.”
(Photo by Savannah W. on Unsplash)