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His Coronation |
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In the first century, Rome appointed kings who reigned even in Judea. How is it possible for
Paul, who saw dozens of rulers seated as kings, to say that Jesus is the "only Potentate"
(1 Tim. 6:15)? Is Paul refusing to acknowledge the reign of others or is he emphasizing
that Jesus' rule is without equal? He reigns without equal.
Jesus' coronation set Him apart from all kings because He reigned after His death. At Mary's house, the angel proclaimed her yet-to-be-born child King. However, He was not coronated until after He ascended into heaven. Jesus predicted that the day of Pentecost (33 AD) was the day He would be crowned (Matt. 16:28; Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4). Jesus died to become king. "There's an old painting in a church that's entitled, 'King of Kings and Lord of Lords.' It shows Jesus Christ sitting high up above the earth, looking down on the creation, robed in gorgeous purple, crowned with a gold crown, and holding the old time trappings of power — a scepter and a long two-edged sword. One day, a group of Junior Highs was ushered into the room to look at the painting. After gazing at it for some moments, one of the students looked at the teacher and asked, 'Where are the nail cuts?' The one called King of Kings and Lord of Lords, has nail cuts, because He died to become King" (copied and edited, rlc). Jesus' coronation set Him apart because He reigns from heaven. Shortly before He died, Jesus told His listeners that He had to go into a far country (heaven) to receive the kingdom (Luke 19:14ff). A few months later, Peter said that He was seated on David's Throne (Acts 2:29-36). Both Luke and Daniel inform us that He reigns now from that "far country" (Dan. 7:13-14). Furthermore, Paul gives us a clear time line, saying that He will reign until He returns; at which time, He will give the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor. 15:22-26). No other reigns from heaven's throne. Jesus' coronation set Him apart because He reigns over a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of men. The reason He can reign from heaven is because the kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36-37). The kingdom is spiritual and within the heart (Rom. 14:17; Luke 17:20-21). None reign as the Lord does. Jesus' coronation set Him apart because He reigns above all that is in heaven and upon the earth (Eph. 1:19-23; 1 Tim. 6:15; Matt. 28:19; Phil. 2:9-10). Let Him reign in your heart. we at His feet may fall, Join in the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all. |