Once upon a time, in a world filled with powerful empires and rulers who fought for dominance, there was a vision of a kingdom unlike any other. This kingdom wasn’t built on military might or earthly wealth, but on truth, love, and justice. The story begins in the distant past, when the Jewish people were suffering under the rule of oppressive empires. They were brutally persecuted, and oppressed, but God sent them a vision—a glimpse of hope.
In the Book of Daniel, the prophet saw a figure, "like a son of man," coming on the clouds of heaven, receiving an eternal kingdom that would never be destroyed. Imagine a kingdom so powerful that no earthly ruler, no empire, could ever defeat it. This kingdom belonged to God, and the one who would reign over it was none other than the Son of Man, who would bring peace, justice, and eternal reign. Even though the people were suffering under the harshness of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, this vision told them that one day, God’s kingdom would stand forever. And that kingdom, as it turns out, would be the kingdom of Christ.
Fast forward to a moment long after Daniel’s vision, when a man named Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor. Jesus was accused by the Jewish authorities, and His fate seemed sealed. Pilate, who represented the most powerful empire in the world, asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus, standing humbly before him, answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Pilate was thinking of a king who ruled with power and fear, like the emperors of Rome. But Jesus was speaking of a very different kind of kingship—a kingship built on truth. He wasn’t concerned with earthly power; He was concerned with God’s truth: the truth of love, sacrifice, and salvation. Jesus came to show the world that His reign was not about domination, but about serving others and bringing peace. He would prove this in the most profound way—by giving His life on the cross for the salvation of all.
The story doesn’t end there, though. In the midst of early Christian persecution, as followers of Christ faced unimaginable suffering under Roman rule, the Book of Revelation reminded them of something powerful. God spoke to them, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” These words were a declaration of God’s eternal sovereignty. The Roman Empire might seem invincible, but they were reminded that it was God who held all of time—past, present, and future—in His hands. Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, had already won the victory over sin and death through His resurrection, and His kingdom would never be shaken.
So, as we celebrate Christ the King today, we remember that His kingdom is not of this world. It is eternal, founded on truth, love, and justice. No matter what struggles or hardships we face, we know that Christ reigns, and His kingdom will last forever. As His followers, we are invited to live in the peace and hope of His unshakable reign.
Let us walk with Christ, our eternal King, in truth and humility, knowing that His victory is already assured. Amen.
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