The country is predominantly mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with great sadness but as time passes thoughts turn to her successor. The British public and the media are starting to contemplate the reign of a new king. There is a feeling of anticipation and curiosity as he begins his time as Head of State.
In the coming weeks and months there will be much pomp and ceremony as the Queen is laid to rest and King Charles has his coronation. The latter event is a reminder for Christians of something much greater that lies ahead when another King will take His rightful place. We live in anticipation of the coronation of the King of kings.
Revelation chapter 19 gives us an insight into the future coming of the Lord Jesus as King. There John writes,
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself… And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (vv.11-12,16 NASB).
This is a truly awesome sight and one of great hope for Christians. One day the Lord will return and begin to reign over His kingdom on earth. His reign will be unlike any other. King Charles III and every monarch before him have been fallible humans. Many have endeavoured to serve faithfully but none have been perfect. The Lord Jesus will be a perfect King. He is described in Revelation chapter 19 as “Faithful and True”. His reign will bring justice and peace to this world in a way that no merely human leader ever could.
And if this was not incredible enough, 2 Timothy chapter 2 verse 2 says: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him”. This brings an astonishing hope for us that, although we may face sacrifice and suffering here and now for the Lord’s sake, one day we will assist in the governance of His kingdom. This will be an immense privilege.
As we observe the accession of the new king, we should consider the future that we have in store and the hope that it brings. May we find comfort in the anticipation of our future reign with Christ, and may we look forward to a day when there is a perfect King on the throne: Jesus Christ, whom we presently love and serve.
