One of the most neglected facets of the person and work of Jesus Christ is that He is King of kings and Lord of lords.
In the Protestant community, Dispensational Theology is to be held responsible for relegating the kingship of Christ to an uncertain future, in contrast to the Biblical teaching that, following His resurrection Jesus declared that all power in heaven and earth had been entrusted to Him. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). Jesus is now King of kings and Lord of lords. This is a present reality, with practical consequences.
As the Sovereign of the Universe in general, and King of all nations on earth in particular, the Bible teaches that Christ rules with a rod of iron.
As the events in Europe take place before a watching world, the Ascended Christ is fulfilling what the prophets in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament said He would do. King Jesus is ruling nations with a rod of iron.
“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Psalms 2:1-9).
“And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father” (Rev. 2:27).
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne” (Rev. 12:5).
“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev. 19:15).
The people of God in Russia and in the Ukraine, realize they are under the rod, which is one reason why so many people are found in Churches, and wherever else Christians find to congregate. In times of war, famine, and pestilence, people turn to the God of heaven to plea for mercy, grace, forgiveness, healing, and peace.
In His mercy, the Lord will come and meet with His people, but first, they must seek Him with all their hearts. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).
By shaking the godless nations on earth, the Lord brings His people back to Himself. The people of God pray for forgiveness. They have much to beg God to forgive, for godless Communism has been allowed to dominate national life. Women have killed their babies. Government officials have been bribed and morally corrupted. People have lived life as if there is no tomorrow, by eating, drinking, and being merry. Now, they know. There will be no tomorrow for many. Bombs and missiles rain down from the sky. Buildings are collapsing in major cities and towns. Children are crying by day and by night. They are hungry, and scared. Homes are destroyed, and millions are now displaced. The Lord Jesus Christ is ruling the nations with a rod of iron, and prophesy is being fulfilled.
Other nations in Europe, and the United States itself. are also under the shadow of the iron rod of Divine judgment. People cannot continue to kill babies through abortion, dismiss God from their daily lives, and live a hedonistic lifestyle without sin reaching a personal, and national saturation point.
There is a way to stop the madness of war in Europe and that is for Christians everywhere in Europe to apply the principles of Scripture.
There is the Principle of Prayer.
On bended knees, let the people of God submit to the Sovereign, and pray.
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.
Amen.
There is the Principle of Repentance.
Repentance involves a heartfelt sorrow for sin, and a turning from that which is wrong. People know it is wrong to deny God. It is wrong to consciously dismiss His presence on a daily basis. It is wrong to profane His holy name. It is wrong to murder, lie, cheat, steal, covet, and commit adultery. It is wrong to engage in homosexual behavior and encourage others in their wickedness. It is wrong to kill unborn babies through abortion. God is calling on people to repent.
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).
Why not come to Christ now in humility and repentance.
While we pray and while we plead,
While you see your soul’s deep need,
While our Father calls you home,
Will you not, my brother, come?
Why not now? Why not now?
Why not come to Jesus now?
Why not now? Why not now?
Why not come to Jesus now?
You have wandered far away;
Do not risk another day;
Do not turn from God your face,
But today accept His grace.
In the world you’ve failed to find
Aught of peace for troubled mind;
Come to Christ, on Him believe,
Peace and joy you shall receive.
Come to Christ, confession make;
Come to Christ, and pardon take;
Trust in Him from day to day,
He will keep you all the way.
~D. W. Whittle
There is the Principle of Moral Reformation.
Consider this gracious invitation from the Lord. Though originally given to national Israel, by way of application, this Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for instruction in righteousness.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).
While Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled in that Christ is judging nations, and ruling with a rod of iron, Biblical principles can be honored, so that the wicked perish, nations remain free, and people can live coram Deo, before the face of God.
Wondering comforting message today. It explains how our King is ruling in the present not waiting for some future event. A much needed clarification in our present world. Dispensational theology has and is a curse.