Who is Jesus? The answer to this question can be both challenging and comforting. In reality this year has been quite challenging and often divisive with very little comfort. We have been reminded of the need for good leaders to bring us through chaos. Scripture points us to such a Ruler. Revelation 1:5-6 reads,

“…from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen… Then I [John] turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lamp stands, and in the mist of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.”

JESUS IS THE RULER OF THE KINGS

John’s vision of the “one like a son of man” (see Dan. 7:13-14 and Mark 10:35) in the opening chapter of Revelation reveals both Jesus’ kingly (“a long robe”) and priestly nature (“a golden sash around his chest”). In this vision Christ’s “feet were like burnished bronze.” Roman generals were often depicted by burnished bronze statues standing tall with their small, inferior subjugates underfoot. The church needed a reminder that Jesus is “the ruler of the kings!” Today, we need such a reminder too. Our King, Jesus, was prophesied in Isaiah 9:6a:

“For to us a child is born, to us a song is given;”

THE RULER IS GIVEN

Who doesn’t like a great gift? Each Christmas, services and celebrations prominently feature this prophecy from Isaiah 9 depicting the baby born to become king. This promised Messiah would be the greatest gift ever given to Israel. Through this Jewish Messiah, the whole world would be offered the gift of salvation (Eph. 2:11-13). Humankind needed salvation from the mess we created (Gen. 3). Unable to properly rule ourselves, this King would be and is exactly who we need. Isaiah 9:6b continues,

“and the government shall be upon his shoulder,”

THE RULER IS IN CONTROL

Nothing catches God off guard. He is never surprised by anything. Time and time again, Scripture reminds us God places and displaces people in power (Dan. 2:20-21; Romans 13:1-2). But what about evil rulers? God doesn’t create or cause evil, but our Creator remains in complete control (Job 1:6-12). John Piper declared, “This is the very air we should breath… Christ is triumphant in his reign over the kings of the earth. All developments today are steps to a decisive triumph.” God can use any evil rule or intention to work by his power for his glory and our good to fulfill his perfect plan (Romans 8:28; 9:17). What a promise! Isaiah 9:6c reads,

“and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

THE RULER IS NAMED

During Biblical times names had even more significant meaning than they do today. A name defined who you were and what was expected of you. This Ruler is named “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus the “Wonderful Counselor” rules through wisdom, Jesus the “Mighty God” won the war over sin and death, Jesus the “Everlasting Father” watches over us as his children, and Jesus the “Prince of Peace” brings calm to our chaos. Furthermore, Isaiah 9:7a promises,

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David”

THE RULER WON’T STOP

Christ cannot be stopped. His plans never fail and they never will! Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7:16). God promised David his throne would be established forever. This throne wouldn’t be earthly but everlasting. Genealogies are all the rage these days. The New Testament opens in Matthew 1:1-17 by tracing King Jesus’ earthly lineage to King David. Currently, Jesus reigns at the right hand of the Father in Heaven waiting one day to return for his people, completely restore his creation, and dwell with his people for eternity (Rom 8:34; Rev. 19-22). Isaiah 9:7b concludes,

“and over his kingdom to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

THE RULER LEADS THE WAY

This Ruler is a righteous King! Christ’s rule is defined by justice and righteousness. Justice and righteousness cannot be separated in God’s Kingdom (Amos 5:21-24). Revelation reminds us that we live in “the already, not yet.” While we long for an eternity marked by justice and righteousness, we work towards these ideals today. For this reason we participate in our government, we lead in our world, and we submit to the rule and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives each and every day! Restoration is here. His name is Jesus. Follow the Ruler today.

#RestorationIsHere #JESUSis

• Written by: Dean Ross (9/29/20)
• This blog is part 3 of 7 based on the “Jesus Is…” series by Family Church NOLA. For more resources visit: http://www.JoinTheFamily.Church
• John Piper quote taken from his sermon “Jesus is the Ruler of Kings on Earth” (11/26/89) archived on http://www.DesiringGod.org
• All scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Crossway)