KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

When Christ came the first time, He would humbly ride on a donkey into Jerusalem where He would be crucified. When He comes the second time, He will gloriously ride on a horse into Jerusalem where He will be crowned. 

We read in Revelation 19:11-16 of CHRIST’S TITLES. He bears three titles that are revealed in Revelation 19:11-16. 

First, Christ is called, “Faithful and True,”  (v. 11). He is utterly faithful. He cannot be otherwise. His promises are all, “Yes, and in Him Amen,” (2 Cor. 1:20). He is absolutely true. He is the full expression of truth, for He is, “the Truth,” (John 14:6).  It has been 2000 years since the Lord promised He would return. Rest assured—He will keep His word.

Second, He is called, “The Word of God,” (v. 13).  It is a favored expression of the Apostle John, found in His Gospel, His first Epistle, and now, in Revelation. If you want to know what the Father is like, all you need do is look at the Son, for He is the communication of the invisible God in manifest form. Open the Bible and study Him, for Jesus is on every page, the Living Word in the written Word.

Third, Jesus is called, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS,” (v. 16).  This is His sovereignty—the undisputed, undefeated champion of all. The first time He came, He was rejected, but the second time He comes, He will reign. Paul put it:

“who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭11‬‬).

Did you notice Paul mentioned that the Lord will bear a name, “which is above every name”? John wrote of a fourth title of the returning Lord, “He has a name written that no one knew except Himself,” (v. 12). While it is folly to try to speculate on when Christ will return, it is likewise impossible to know the name that is above all names. One thing we do know—that title will be infinitely and immeasurably glorious for it will be the supreme title that encompasses all titles!

Also, in Revelation 19, we read of CHRIST’S TRIUMPH. There are five descriptive terms that portray the victorious King at His second advent.

We read of His virtue. There is His, “righteousness,” (v. 11). All He is, says, and does and is fully manifest righteousness. 

We read of His verdict. Jesus, “judges,” (v. 11), and His verdict is final. He presides over the eternal Supreme Court.

We read of His vision. “His eyes were like a flame of fire,” (v. 12). You cannot hide from Him. You cannot fool Him. He sees all and through all.

We read of His voice. “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations,” (v. 15). See the power of His Word. The One who spoke and the storm ceased will speak and the strife ends.

We read of His victory. Jesus, “makes war,” (v. 11) and “on His head were many crowns,” (v. 12). It is a war He cannot lose. The enemy is vanquished, “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (V. 14-16).

The first time, He would be crowned with thorns in agony, but the second time, Christ will be crowned with triumph in glory. What a day that will be, and for the church, we will ride with Him—in “the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean…on white horses,” (v. 14)!

THE KING IS COMING!

And they anointed David king over Israel.  (2 Samuel 5:3b) 

The life of David is prophetic of the life of the Son of David—Jesus Christ—in many ways.  David’s life can be divided into two parts: the first was one of humiliation and rejection of David the shepherd; the second part was one of exaltation and reign of David the sovereign.  So, Jesus came the first time as the Good Shepherd—in humiliation and rejection.  In his second advent, He will come as the Chief Shepherd—in exaltation and reign.  There are some parallels in the fifth chapter of 2 Samuel between David’s coronation and the Son of David’s eventual one.  Of course, we do not have to wait to enthrone Christ, but can do so now in our heart.  His kingdom can come to the individual and extend to every facet of life—and it should.  If Jesus is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all! 

Let us note the coronation of a shepherd (v.1-5).  David was readied for his reign by humble service.  He shepherded his father’s flock in preparation for leading the people of Israel.  All those experiences of being despised by his brothers, hated by the leaders, and marked out for death were preparing him to wear the crown.  Jesus would wear a crown in His first coming, but it would be a crown of thorns.  The Good Shepherd would be misunderstood by his own brothers, rejected by both the secular and spiritual leaders, and sentenced to death.  Yet, as with David—in God’s time—He will be crowned with glory, as His forefather was crowned with gold.  Those who will be subjects of that coming kingdom must have a coronation of Christ in submission now.  This happens when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Just as the Jews became tired of their old master (Saul) and bowed to a new master (David), so we spurn our old master (sin) and surrender to the new Master (Jesus) in repentance.  As David forgave those who rejected him at the first, so Jesus forgives and welcomes former rebels. 

We next observe the conquest of a stronghold (v.6-10).  Jerusalem seemed an unconquerable fortress, but the city would be taken and be known hence as “the City of David.”  When Christ comes to a heart fortified by sin, where the Devil is firmly entrenched, we know He can overcome and capture our heart, as He drives out the enemy.  Ultimately, the city that withstood Christ’s offer of peace at His first coming, will become the place of His reign at His second coming.  Jerusalem that rejected Him first, will receive Him as Lord! 

Finally, we see the confirmation of a sovereign (v.11-12).  Other kings would recognize David’s sovereignty.  In this example, it is Hiram, the king of Tyre.  When Christ comes to reign in our hearts, His rule extends to every area. This anticipates the time when Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords.  Then, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord!  What a day that will be!  My heart cries, “Come, Lord Jesus!” 

When Christ returns, some will bow madly—enemies forced to bow; some will bow sadly—who meant to become His subjects but continued to serve sin.  Hell will be a place for each, where both teeth are gnashed in anger and wails are raised in anguish.  I will bow gladly in eternity, for I have submitted to Christ on earth.  Have you?