The King | Pastor Nate Keeler
Throughout history, no king has ever ruled the entire earth. Yet the Bible speaks of a coming King whose reign will extend “from sea to sea” (Zechariah 9:10). This King is Jesus. His reign was foretold in Micah 5:2-4, which describes a ruler from Bethlehem whose greatness will reach “to the ends of the earth.”
While Jesus’ earthly ministry was confined to ancient Israel, His true kingship transcends time and space. His reign began spiritually after His resurrection and ascension, but it will be fully realized when He returns to establish His eternal Kingdom. This is the hope believers hold onto—the promise that Jesus will one day rule in perfect justice, love, and power.
Living in the “Already-Not-Yet” Kingdom
Theologians call our current reality the “already-not-yet” Kingdom. Jesus is already King, reigning from heaven, but His reign on earth is not yet fully visible. As believers, we live in this in-between stage where we experience Jesus’ rule spiritually but await its complete fulfillment.
Jesus declared His authority in Matthew 28:18-20, saying:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Our mission as followers of Jesus is clear: be His ambassadors. We are called to represent Him wherever we are—in our workplaces, schools, and communities—sharing His message of hope and salvation.
Two Ways People Respond to Jesus
The Bible records two drastically different responses to Jesus’ birth:
1. Worship and Surrender:
The shepherds and wise men recognized Jesus’ kingship. They worshiped Him with reverence, offering meaningful gifts. Their actions showed faith, humility, and a willingness to submit to the newborn King.
2. Rejection and Resistance:
King Herod and the religious leaders responded with hostility. Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his power and sought to kill Him. The Pharisees, despite knowing prophecy, rejected Jesus because He disrupted their authority and religious control.
Why We Resist Jesus’ Rule
Many of us struggle with the same resistance today. We prefer being the rulers of our own lives. Society promotes self-rule with messages like “you do you” or “follow your heart.” These slogans reflect the deep-rooted human desire for control and autonomy.
However, living as our own “kings” leads to spiritual emptiness. The truth is, we were never meant to rule our lives—we were created to be led by Jesus, the perfect King who reigns with justice, mercy, and love.
How to Make Jesus King in Your Life
You have a choice: surrender to Jesus or resist His rule. There’s no middle ground. Here’s how to let Jesus reign in your life:
1. Accept His Sacrifice
Jesus’ kingship is defined by humility and sacrifice. He said in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He didn’t just talk about sacrifice—He lived it by dying for our sins.
His resurrection proved His power over death and opened the door to eternal life. Will you accept His gift of salvation? You can trust a King who willingly died for you.
2. Obey His Word
Obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for living under Jesus’ rule. Even when we don’t understand God’s commands, we can trust that He knows what’s best for us.
Tim Keller offers wisdom on this, saying: “Obeying only when you understand isn’t obedience—it’s agreement.” Real obedience comes from trusting God even when life doesn’t make sense.
God’s commands are like a good parent’s rules—meant to protect, guide, and bless us. He asks us to follow His Word because He loves us and desires our ultimate good.
3. Trust Him Completely
Worry often reveals a struggle with control. When we’re anxious, we’re essentially saying, “I know what has to happen for my life to work, and I’m not sure God will do it.”
Jesus invites us to release this burden. He says in Matthew 6:25-34, “Do not worry about your life… Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Mary, the mother of Jesus, trusted God when faced with the impossible news of her miraculous pregnancy. Gabriel assured her: “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Today, Jesus says the same to us: “I’ve got you. Trust Me.”
The Invitation
The decision is yours: surrender or resist. Will you bow down and worship Jesus as King, or will you cling to control? Accept His sacrifice. Obey His Word. Trust Him completely. He is the King who reigns with justice, mercy, and compassion—and He’s calling you to experience life under His perfect rule. The only question is: Will you let Him reign in your life today?