Today is a great day for the United States because Joe Biden has been installed as president … but the greatness of the day is shadowed by the Coronavirus pandemic, with four hundred million Americans succumbing to the virus, and the previous president Donald Trump, who was accused of inciting insurrection about two weeks ago. It is a bittersweet day. Where Barak Obama, Trump’s predecessor, had more than a million people at his inauguration, Trump had less than half a million, whilst Biden has only thousands of American flags symbolizing people.
The capital’s street were lined with security forces in place of people as the cavalcade came past. This is largely due to the virus being so active and the threat of possible violence. Although previous presidents, Clinton, Bush and Obama, and outgoing vice-president Pence were present, outgoing president Trump chose not to attend. The picture we saw was sad … much joy mixed with much hurt, anger and division. One needs to pray for this nation as its new king (president) takes office. The attendance and celebrations were downplayed, and the mass celebration meal for the House of Representatives and Senate was canceled.
A solemn occasion, yet nothing figuring the pomp of previous inaugurations. Although God’s Word applies to all nations … consider this for president Biden:
1Ti 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Whether this world realizes it or not, the United States is the key player in the Western World. If she falls, the ripple effects around the world will be enormous! And so, president Biden is America’s 46th president. He is the most important person on the planet. If you like, in human terms he is the first citizen of the world.
But, there is another world and another King … both far greater, more powerful and more important than the kingdoms of this world and far greater and more powerful that any of the most important persons of this world. That other world is the world of God. That Kingdom is the Kingdom of God, and the King of that Kingdom is none other than King Jesus.
Getting to Jesus as King requires a little Biblical investigation. God has always been the King of His people, yet Israel wanted a human king because the surrounding nations had one. Samuel was old and appointed his sons to lead Israel. They were not godly men:
1 Sam 8:3 But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
So, the elders of Israel went to Samuel and said:
1 Sam 8:5 “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
This displeased Samuel, because God was King.
1 Sam 8:6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.”
The people were rejecting God as King! And look at the end of verse 9 … human kings won’t be easy to live under! As you know, Saul failed as king. David was a Saviour-King pointing to the Messiah-King. Solomon failed. His son saw the nation split, each having its own kings. There were very few good, godly kings until the advent of the Messianic King … Jesus Christ. The Psalmist points to this King:
Ps 24:7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory.
The heads, the gates and the ancient doors point to the heart of man’s soul. This King must reign in the heart of man … at least, believing man. You see, this King is already King, and although we speak of His coronation … He is already seated at the right hand of the Father in Glory (see Eph 1:20, Col 3:1, Heb 1:3, and 1 Pet 3:22). The “right hand” means the power seat … the throne that reigns. His inauguration has already taken place. He reigns as Lord and King, for that He is. He did before creation, He did after creation and after His Ascension. Our King reigns! Look at these three passages:
1 Tim 6:15 The blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
Rev 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
The union between God and His blood washed people are referred to and compared to a marriage union. The celebration of the Consummation of this Union will be in glory.
Rev 19:9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
This Consummation or Wedding Supper Celebration will be after Jesus’ Second Coming. When He comes again, He will separate the wheat from the weeds (the saved from the unsaved) followed by the Judgment. The unsaved will be judged and found guilty and be cast into eternal punishment. The saved will be found not guilty because they are clothed in the Blood of the Lamb. They will be ushered into Glory … and that Wedding Supper will take place followed by eternal and everlasting bliss.
Glorious Lord, King Jesus, how we wait for the glorious yet fearful day when You bring this world to an end and take Your precious children to reside with You in Your heavenly home forever. Hallelujah! Amen, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.