Beech Tree News Network

Our Lord Jesus Christ rules over us today. Sadly, this is a fact that is ignored by many. After His resurrection and ascension, Christ sat down at the right hand of God to reign over us (Dan. 7:13-14; Acts 1:9-11). 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 addition to the above verses, please read Ephesians 1:20-23, and we can see that Christ reigns 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 over us today, what does this mean to us?

    First, it means man has no authority. The last part of the book of Matthew declares that He has all authority. “Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). If Christ has all authority, then how much does that leave for you? For me? Once we understand this, then we will have learned a lesson many in this world have not learned!

    Also, this means that man has no legislative power. Some take upon themselves the job of lawmaker. You see this in those who hear Christ’s words and then declare, “I know the Bible says that but....” Sometimes people hear the word of God read plainly and state, “That is your opinion.” If you or I are guilty of this, then 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!

    Last, it 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 will come, “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 you want to be found in rebellion against the King? Of course, not! Why not become a citizen in Christ’s Kingdom through faith in Him (Jn. 8:24), repenting of sins (Lk. 13:3), confessing your faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16)? What is keeping you from doing what is right? What is keeping you from being faithful to the very taking of your life (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)! Don’t defy your King, Jesus Christ, the One reigning 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