The Lord of Lords/The King of Kings

{This is the eleventh part of a twelve part series attempting to answer the question "Who is Jesus?". The song "I AM" by Mark Schultz is utilized in this series as a reference point, and the lyrics can be found in the "I AM series" post found earlier.}

The Lord of Lords and King of Kings

I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:14-16)

In his letter to Timothy, Paul addresses Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus was to be the king of his people. This led people to believe that he would be king on earth, but his kingdom was not to be during his day. Christians believe that Christ's kingdom will be established in the future, at a time that only God knows for certain. That did not keep Jesus from being declared a king on earth, though. Indeed, in the gospel of Matthew, when Jesus was born, the Magi who travelled to visit him asked "where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" Later, in his death, written above his head was "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Why was Jesus not wholly accepted by the Israelites? They were waiting for an earthly king, one who would come and make Israel a powerful nation on earth. They were waiting for a political king. Jesus, the heavenly king, came not to rule on earth, but to serve. Indeed, he noted that he did not come to earth to serve, but to be served, and the greatest among the disciples would be the one who has the most servile heart. Christ's kingdom is to come at a later time.

The Book of Revelation gives some glimpses of what that kingdom may look like. Before that kingdom is to come about, the book describes a final battle that will take place. Now, some Christians believe that the Book of Revelation is true and will happen, while some believe it is allegorical about Christ's return to earth. This much is true, though, Christ repeatedly told his disciples and followers that he would be returning to earth, and there are repeated instances in both the New Testament and Old Testament that refer to a final day of the Lord.

In Revelation, Christ is described as a rider on a white horse, leading the army of heaven.

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14)

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God... On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-13, 16)

Notice that in his death he was "King of the Jews" and nobody believed it, yet when he comes back, he will be "King of Kings and Lord of Lords".

So, why is Jesus called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? It is because he is God most high, there is none better than him. He is not a king bloodthirsty for gaining lands or wealth, he is not profligate or haughty, he is not a king that uses his subjects for his own gain. Jesus is a king who loved his people so much, that even though he was innocent of all charges, he laid down his life for his own people, and in dying for them, saved them from the punishment they deserved.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)

That is the kind of king that Jesus is. He did not condescend to earth to ruler on earth, his rule would be in heaven. He came to earth to be king of our hearts. I call him my King.

I'll leave you with the words to a Third Day song that is appropriate, called King of Glory.

Who is this King of Glory that pursues me with his love
And haunts me with each hearing of His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder of forgiveness that I need
Who is this King of Glory who offers it to me

Who is this King of angels, O blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of Heaven and all its mysteries
My spirit's ever longing for His grace in which to stand
Who's this King of glory, Son of God and son of man

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart
The King of glory

Who is this King of Glory with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of kings
the Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
He is the King of Glory, He's everything to me

The Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
He is the King of glory, He's everything to me