Long Live the King

Earlier this month,(Sept. 2015), Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom.  She surpassed the previous record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, by reigning for 23,226 days, 16 hours, and approximately 30 minutes (the approximation is due to the fact that the exact moment of her father’s death is unknown).  At the age of 89, the queen is quoted as saying that the record was “...not one to which I have ever aspired,” noting that she was simply the beneficiary of a long life (source: bbc.com/news/uk-34177107).  Regardless of your opinion of the British monarchy, this is an impressive record of continuity in a world where the turnover rate among most national leaders is fairly high.  Perhaps all of those years of UK’ers saying “Long live the queen!” has paid off.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I serve a King with a far more impressive record.  Centuries before the life and ministry of Jesus, Daniel spoke of an indestructible kingdom that would be established in the time of Roman domination (Daniel 2:44).  Jesus would become the King over this kingdom.  His enduring monarchy was declared even before His conception.  The angel Gabriel told His mother Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:30–33).

The sun will one day set on the British Empire (as it will for any earthly kingdom or nation).  But Jesus is King over a kingdom that will endure forever.  As servants of this King, we are given the privilege of reigning with Him (Revelation 22:3-5).  What an incredible blessing!  Long live the King!

God loves you!

Mike