WEEKLY REFLECTION 

The Jews understood that the Messiah ("Anointed One") would come as God's anointed King to restore paradise and establish God's reign of everlasting peace for them. They wanted a Messianic King who would free them from strife and division and from foreign oppression. Many had high hopes that Jesus would be the Messiah and Ruler for Israel. Little did they understand what kind of kingship Jesus claimed to possess.

Jesus came to deliver his people, and the whole world, from the worst kind of tyranny possible – from bondage to sin. Jesus came to conquer hearts and souls for an unshakeable kingdom – a kingdom ruled not by force or fear - but by the power of God's righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

When Satan tempted Jesus during his forty day fast in the wilderness, he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus knew that the world was in Satan's power. And this was precisely why Jesus came – to overthrow Satan's power and deception over the earth. Jesus knew that the way to victory was through submission to his Father's will and strategy for overcoming sin and Satan in the world. 

In the Book of Revelations Jesus is called King of kings and Lord and lords. 

Do you recognize Jesus Christ as your King and Lord? 

If we serve the Lord Jesus Christ, he will open our eyes to the light of his truth and guide us on the course that leads to our true homeland and security with God. If we follow the course which is set by the world - a world which is opposed to Christ and blinded by Satan – then we will discover that sin, pride, and greed will lead us down a path of destruction, division, and death rather than life, community, and freedom. 

Which kingdom will you serve – today and for all eternity? The world which passes away or God's kingdom which lasts for all time? 

If we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and King we become citizens of an everlasting kingdom which is governed by God's righteousness, peace, and love. Is your life submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? 

Do you recognize that the Lord Jesus has been given all authority and power to reign over heaven and earth? Whether you believe it or not, Jesus will come as King of the universe and will judge our deeds, good and evil.

Reflections courtesy of Evengeli.net.