The True Emperor

Jesus has reigned as Sovereign over the Earth since his Death and Resurrection; indeed, over the Cosmos. Already he is seated on the Messianic Throne of David. Because of his obedience, especially in his sacrificial death, he is the “Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.” Before his Ascension, he declared that God had bestowed all authority on him - “In Heaven and on Earth” – His authority is limitless.

Not only is he the “King of kings,” but everyone redeemed by his blood becomes a member of his “Kingdom of Priests” and reigns with him, only his disciples “overcome” and reign in the same manner that he did.

[Photo by yasmin peyman on Unsplash]

• “Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn of the Dead, and the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth. Unto him who loves us and loosed us from our sins through his blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father… He that overcomes, I will grant him to sit with me on my Throne, even as I overcame and sat with my Father on his throne… the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful”  - (Revelation 1:5-6, 3:21, 17:14).

In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?” Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” though his brief epiphany vanished once Jesus explained what the Messianic calling entailed.

As the Messiah of Israel, Jesus must “go to Jerusalem and suffer many things of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed,” though God would resurrect him on the third day. Before his exaltation, he would become the Suffering Servant of the LORD and suffer at the hands of unrighteous men - (Matthew 16:13-28, Isaiah 53:1-12).

Following his Resurrection, he was exalted by his Father and given the “name which is above every name, that in the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in Heaven and things on Earth and things under the Earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” He now summons his disciples to proclaim his message and sovereignty on the Earth “to all nations” - (Philippians 2:9-11).

On his way to Jerusalem, he promised that some disciples would not die until they saw the “Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” His words alluded to a vision in the Book of Daniel that portrayed the receipt of the Kingdom by the figure known as the “Son of Man” - (Daniel 7:13-14).

However, it was only after his Death and Resurrection that Jesus received “All authority in Heaven and on Earth,” which he attained through suffering and death as he “gave his life as a ransom for many.” His declaration as recorded in Matthew echoes the Messianic prophecy of the Second Psalm:

• (Psalm 2:7-8) – “Let me tell of a decree, Yahweh said to me, You are my son. I, this day, have begotten you. Ask of me and let me give nations as your inheritance, and as your possession, the ends of the earth.”

HIS PRIESTLY KINGDOM

Because he now possesses absolute authority, he sends his disciples as his envoys to proclaim his Gospel and his Lordship to the “ends of the Earth.” That is how his disciples participate in his reign. Because of his obedience, God made him “BOTH Messiah and Lord” – (Acts 2:36, Ephesians 1:20-22).

His followers proclaim his Lordship and Salvation to the Nations of the Earth, including kings and other political and national leaders. All men are called to submit to his sovereignty and to receive his salvation while time remains before the final judgment. All who do so receive the forgiveness of sins and join his “Kingdom of Priests” - (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 1:5-6).

Thus, the Man from Nazareth has become the only true “Emperor” who reigns supreme over the Earth rather than Caesar or other pretenders to sovereignty over humanity, including kings, princes, dictators, prime ministers, parliaments, and presidents.

The one who now reigns over all things is the “Lamb with Seven Horns and Seven Eyes,” an image that points to his absolute power and limitless knowledge. Noting is beyond his reach, including “Death and Hades” – (Revelation 1:17-20).

Anyone who rejects his message defies his sovereignty and aligns himself with the “Dragon” and his earthly representative, the “Beast from the Sea.” Moreover, the man who rejects his Lordship will discover one day that his name has been excluded from the “Book of Life of the Lamb.”

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• True Power - (The power of God is revealed in the proclamation of a Messiah who was crucified by the world on Calvary)

• Salvation for the Nations - (The Gospel of the Kingdom announced by Jesus of Nazareth offers salvation and life to men and women of every nation and people)