Beech Tree News Network

           Our Lord Jesus Christ reigns today. This is a fact that is lost on many. After His resurrection and ascension, Christ sat down at the right hand of God to reign over us. In the long ago, Daniel saw this day coming (Dan. 7:13-14). The fulfillment of Daniel’s vision is seen in Acts 1:9-11 when Christ “came to” God and sat down at His right hand. The apostle Paul said that Christ is reigning now and “must reign til he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (I Cor. 15:25-26). In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul discussed Christ’s resurrection and ascension and proclaimed He is reigning (Eph. 1:20-23). Indeed, Christ is reigning today.

            Christ reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (I Tim. 6:15). We may not want to think about it; some may even deny it, but when all is said and done, Christ reigns today! God told His Son (not the angels, Heb. 1:5-6), “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Heb. 1:8).

            Based on the truth that Christ reigns today, what does this mean to us?

            First, it means man has no authority. Jesus stated plainly that He has all power (Matt. 28:18). If Christ has all authority, then how much does that leave for you or me? Once we understand this, we will be on our way to being submissive to our King!

            It also means that man has no legislative power. Some take upon themselves the role of a lawmaker. This is evident in those who hear Christ’s words and then declare, “I know the Bible says that but....” Sometimes, after hearing God’s word, people state, “That is your opinion.” If you or I are guilty of this, we are trying to be the lawmaker! Friends, that job has already been taken! Christ is the lawmaker today (Jas. 4:12). His law is found in the New Testament, and it will not change (Matt. 24:35). It is high time we accepted it and obeyed rather than fighting against it!

            Finally, Christ reigning today means that we will be punished if we do not do as the King says. Again, the apostle Paul wrote about this aspect of Christ’s reign. He wrote to the Thessalonians and told them that on the last day, Christ would return, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (II Thess. 1:8-9). Do we want to be found in rebellion against the King? Of course, not! Then, we must become a citizen of His Kingdom through faith in Him (Jn. 8:24), repenting of sins (Lk. 13:3), confessing our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16). What is keeping us from doing what is right? What is keeping us from being faithful to the very taking of our lives (Rev. 2:10)? “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1)! It does not matter who is in the White House or the thrones of men; Jesus Christ reigns today!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167