Who is this King of Glory?

Last evening, while praising the Lord with His saints at the Church life-group meeting, I was reflecting on the glory of God’s majesty. While we sang, “When the oceans rise and thunders roar; I will soar with You above the storm; Father, You are King over the flood; I will be still and know You are God,” I worshipped God for the King He is. Here are some of the aspects of God’s kingship that I hope would encourage you as it does me.

The Bible tells us that God is the eternal King. Unlike all rulers who have a lifetime, the God of heaven is eternal. He is the great I AM; who was and is and is to come. He is the same faithful God. He never changes. As dependable and trustworthy He was in the beginning, He is now and will always be. This King is good. He is wise. He is righteous and fair and just. He is patient. He is merciful and overflowing with compassion. His love never fails, it never gives up and it never runs out on us.

The next thing we learn of this King is that His reign never ends. Kingdoms have risen in past centuries and fallen, never to rise again. But the kingdom of our God, it endures forever. Governments are elected for a term. Presidents lord it over nations for possibly two terms, each no more than four or five years. Dictators may dominate with ruthlessness over a longer period but our God? He is on the throne, ruling in majesty and righteousness from one generation to another.

A third thing we learn from the Bible is that the King of heaven is the sovereign, all-powerful King. Our God is not merely a monarch that has position but no authority. He rules with power, majesty and glory. There is nothing that exists in heaven, or on earth, or under the earth that is outside His sovereign rule. His power and control is over all things. His dominion is over all things. His authority is over everything. Unlike each country on earth where there are clearly demarcated boundaries and the government’s rule or authority ceases at the boundary of that country, the dominion of our God has no end. It has no limits.

The kingdom of our God is unlike any other. It is the kingdom of light. In it there is no darkness. Evil, fear, sickness, disease, poverty, curse—these things do not exist in the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of our God is righteous. There is always justice. In God there is no partiality. His law holds good for the strong and the weak; the rich and the poor; the great and the small. “What one sows, one reaps” is the basic principle of God’s justice. Each one is recompensed according to what he does.

In the kingdom of God there is peace. Because the King who sits on the throne rules with sovereignty and power, there is no need for fear. It is for this very reason that Paul tells the Philippians, “Be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your request known to God.” What follows is the reason why we should be anxious for nothing. Since our God rules and reigns in majesty and might, the peace that flows from Him assures us that it is alright to be still. His peace which surpasses all understanding comforts us to rest even when the storm is fierce and appears to swallow us alive (Psa. 124:2-5). This is why it surpasses understanding.

Also in God’s kingdom there is true joy; gladness that is genuine, lasting and is not taken away. I read with much amusement an advertisement that goes like this—Assured happiness to last a lifetime. Two bedroom flat starting at Rupees xxx. The image flashes a “happy” couple staring at each other with beaming smiles. Peel off the deceptive layer of false promises and it’s soon evident that assured, lasting joy comes only from God. No one or nothing else can give that. A Ferrari sports car may bring happiness for some time before we tire of it. The latest iPhone or fancy gadget may capture our attention for a time before our restless heart searches for true happiness in something else. A free trip around the world may bring excitement as long as the trip lasts. Once it's over, like a finished bar of chocolate, we have only a lingering memory. But the joy that the Lord gives is not only something that we can be filled with, our cups running over; but the Bible tells us that it is also our strength.

Let us therefore be afraid no longer. Our God is on the throne. Let us be anxious for nothing but with thanksgiving and prayer come before Him in confidence. Our God rules in majesty and power. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Let us trust in Him with sure hope that we will never be ashamed. Nay! We will never ever be disappointed. May He always be our hiding place and our strong tower; for the eternal God is our refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms.

To Thee O King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever.

The ‘Are You Ready’ Checklist

In Revelation 12:1, the Apostle John writes that there appeared a great sign in heaven. One commentary describes the meaning of the word ‘sign’ as something which is seen: not a mere wonder, but something which has a meaning; it is not “a surprise ending with itself,” but a signal to arrest attention, and possessing significance; there is “an idea concealed behind it.”

There has lately been no small talk of such a sign foretold nearly 2000 years ago that is purportedly to come to pass sometime in September 2017. Using software called, ‘Stellarium’, some astronomy enthusiasts suggest that the positions of the moon, the sun, the stars and Jupiter, which they refer to as the king planet, would be in the exact positions that appeared to John as a great sign from heaven in Revelation 12:1-2. According to these people, on September 23, 2017 the moon will be at the “feet” of the constellation called Virgo, often represented by a woman, the sun near her shoulder, twelve stars will form her “garland or a crown” and Jupiter which has been moving around the “womb area of the woman” for the last nine months will exit at this time. What makes their discovery even more interesting is that this constellation arrangement is to happen on the biblical fall feast of, ‘Yom Teruah’ or ‘Feast of Trumpets’.

Now I unhesitatingly admit that I have no knowledge of astronomy and I do not believe in astrology. In fact I consider the latter satanic. I also acknowledge that I am not a student of Christian eschatology. What I believe I am however is one who earnestly desires to please God and what I intend through this writing is to appeal to each believing Christian, “Make ready the way of the Lord.” If the starry arrangement is what John called a “great sign in heaven” and is something that God has given as “a signal to arrest our attention”, then each of us would benefit immensely if we paid attention to it. If it is not a sign but plain end-time hype, we would still do well, if not better, to ensure that our ‘Are You Ready’ checklist is checked and in order.  

I am not going to use this writing to predict what is or is not likely to happen soon. My honest confession is, “I don’t know.” But what I earnestly hope is for each of us to remind ourselves of the importance of being ready by staying watchful and alert. I repeat what our Lord Jesus Himself said when He spoke of the coming of the end times. “What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’ ” (Mk. 13:37)

The question that begs answering is: “How can I be sure that I am ready?” This to me should be our main concern. In this essay, I attempt to list out some of the characteristics of readiness that we find in the Bible, the ultimate source of all truth; the only reliable plumb to gauge our choices and decisions.

1. The one who is ready must by necessity be born again (Jn. 3:3). Such a person would come to God in sincere repentance and asked the Lord Jesus to cleanse him of all sin by His precious blood that He shed on the cross.
   
   
2. The next characteristic of readiness is single-minded, undistracted, devotion to the Lord (1Cor. 7:35; 2Cor. 11:3). Such devotion fulfils the very first commandment of loving God with all our being (Mt.22:37-38). It recognises that the child of God cannot flirt with the world nor the things of the world (Jas. 4:4; 1Jn. 2:15). The lack of this distinctive attitude is what the glorified Saviour chided the Ephesian Church for (Rev. 2:4). It is the same thing He said in different words while He was on earth when He spoke of two masters (Mt. 6:24). The devoted heart will make it his ambition to please God (2Cor. 5:9).
   
   
3. The third characteristic of readiness is faith in God. While we all have a measure of faith, (for it is by faith in Jesus that we are saved and made righteous), it is imperative that our faith in the person of God grow deeper. We are told very emphatically that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). More than ever before, our faith needs to be anchored firmly in the inseparable, everlasting, boundless love of God. It needs to rest in His eternal, unfailing wisdom. It must rely heavily on His sovereign, mighty power. It takes comfort in His faithfulness. It rejoices in His care and goodness. The man of faith is so firmly anchored in the person of God that despite the fiercest storm he continues to persevere with steadfastness and patience (Col. 1:11) rejoicing in Him always (Php. 4:4) and giving thanks in every circumstance (1Thes. 5:18).
   
   
4. A fourth characteristic of readiness is fruit. If he has been faithful, such a person must see fruit in his life. If our repentance has been sincere, we must bear fruit (Mt. 3:8). If we are completely devoted to God and align all our decisions in keeping with that desire to please Him, we will bear fruit. The fruit of true faith is peace and rest in God (Php. 4:6-7; Psa. 46:10). Such fruit refuses thoughts of anxiousness and fear. I am convinced that if our lives do not bear, in some measure, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we are deceiving ourselves. If Christ’s life is not increasingly showing forth in our attitude and behaviour—whether at home or work or even on a busy street—we can tom-tom all we want of the Lord’s return but it won’t guarantee that we are ready. Our lives, like a city set on a hill must show that it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20; Col. 1:27b).
    
   If the gentleness of Christ cannot be increasingly seen in me when I talk to my wife and children; if I cannot show patience when I am with difficult colleagues; if I cannot display the selfless attitude which was in Christ Jesus of looking out for the interests of others before I look at mine (Php. 2:4)—all of which incidentally are in keeping with the commandment to love another as we would ourselves—then like Paul said to the Corinthian Church, we are no more than a noisy gong. All my spiritual God-given gifts and my giving would profit me nothing (1Cor. 13:1-3). I believe that it is this outflow of Christ-likeness in our lives (if we are at it on a daily basis, 365 days a year) that shines like a light and affects all our service; and not the reverse. Like a jar of alabaster, the fragrance of Christ’s life permeates through all that we do. Let us therefore imitate the example of Christ of whom it is written—He taught as One having authority and not as the scribes (Mt. 8:28-29) because He first did the will of God (Mt. 8:24a; Mt. 5:19b, 20).

We need to be watchful and alert, recognizing that the time is near. In doing so, we need to ensure that we are not living a life of deception, fooling ourselves. The stakes are too high. We have much to gain by being faithful and much to lose if we live contrary to what God sees as “ready”. God is never fooled. His judgments are always righteous.

Listen to what Paul tells the Church at Corinth when he urged them to consider the building of their lives on the foundation which is Christ Jesus—if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1Cor. 3:12-15). May God grant to each one a heart of readiness that is ever alert and watchful as we wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s Not About You, Yet It’s All About You

This has probably been my boldest writing by far. I have exceeded all previous boundaries by composing most of this essay in first person—where the sovereign, majestic God is speaking. I have done so with great reverence, taking much precaution to ensure that God is not misquoted. My intention has been to encourage and spur our faith in our faithful, never-failing God. May this writing do just that. 

It is not uncommon for Christians to express their exasperation while praying. Like the Psalmist, we too cry, “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me” (Psa. 13:1, 2)? Like Job we vex, “I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain. I will say to God, ‘Don’t simply condemn me—tell me the charge you are bringing against me’ ” (Job 10:1, 2 NLT). The Lord being the patient, merciful God that He is bears with our ranting. He endures with the prayers we make about how great our problem is. He patiently hears our complaint of how we feel He does not pay heed to our tears. We express ourselves as though we are the centre of the universe.

However, should like Job, we say, “I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God Himself” (Job 13:3 NLT), we may hear the Most High answer from out of the whirlwind, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them” (Job 38:2, 3 NLT).

Have you so much wisdom and understanding that you find yourself qualified to instruct me? “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:4-7 NLT)?

With regard to power, “Can you direct the movement of the stars—binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth” (Job 38:31-33 NLT)?

Do you have authority and might? “For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea; an eternal decree so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail. Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it” (Jer. 5:22 NASB). “Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain? Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct” (Job 38:34, 35 NLT)?

Can you provide for beast and bird? “Can you stalk prey for a lioness and satisfy the young lions’ appetites as they lie in their dens or crouch in the thicket? Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God and wander about in hunger” (Job 38:39-41 NLT)?

Are you caring and protective? “Do you know when the wild goats give birth? Have you watched as deer are born in the wild? Do you know how many months they carry their young? Are you aware of the time of their delivery? They crouch down to give birth to their young and deliver their offspring. Their young grow up in the open fields, then leave home and never return” (Job 39:1-4 NLT).

As for justice, “Would you dare to claim that I am not being fair? Would you judge me in order to make yourself seem right? Is your arm as powerful as mine is? Can your voice thunder as mine does? Then put on glory and beauty as if they were your clothes. Also put on honour and majesty. Let loose your great anger. Look at those who are proud and bring them low. Look at proud people and make them humble. Crush evil people right where they are. Bury their bodies together in the dust. Cover their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you” (Job 40:8-14 NIRV).

If no one dares disturb the great leviathan, who then can stand up to me, its Maker? Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine (Job 41:10, 11).

Yet I have loved you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). Of all My creation, you were the only one I made in My image and according to My likeness (Gen. 1:26). I gave you authority over all living creatures on earth (Gen. 1:26). I made you for a little while a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:7) and caused them to be ministering spirits to you (Heb. 1:14). I care for you more than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field (Lk. 12:7; Mt. 6:26, 30).

Did I not choose you even before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4)? It is not to angels that I have given control of the world to come, have I (Heb. 2:5)? Though you were far away from Me, having no hope and without God in the world, did I not draw you to Myself (Eph. 2:12, 13)? If while you were yet a sinner, I did not spare My only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, but delivered Him over to die for you, will I not freely give you all things (Rom. 8:32)? Have I not promised that I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5b) but that I am with you always even to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20b)?

Why then are you fearful, O you of little faith (Mt. 8:26)? By worrying can you add a single hour to your life’s span? If you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters (Lk. 12:25, 26)? If you being evil know how to give good things to your children, will I not give you that which is greater (Mt. 7:11)?

Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers (Job 40:2 NLT)?

May like Job, we too come to the realization that “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say” (Job 40:4, 5 NLT). May we confess to the Most High, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (Job 42:2 NLT). I talk about things I know nothing about; things far too wonderful for me (Job 42:3 NLT). May we realize that in all of life’s challenges, God’s attention is not just on us, yet it’s all about us.

Recognizing the Time

It appears that whenever God acts on earth in a noticeable way, an evil, arrogant political climate prevails. 

The scattering of people by bringing in languages when Nimrod ruled is one such example. 

The mighty deliverance of the Israelites while Pharaoh reigned over powerful Egypt is yet another. 

God becoming flesh and living among men followed by the birth of the Church was a third. Remember this was at a time when the Romans ruthlessly controlled the world.

The miraculous restoration of Israel after nearly 2000 years, following the holocaust and WW2 is an example from modern history. 

Could the present political situation the world over indicate something to the Church? The Lord Jesus said, "...so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door" (Matthew 24:33).