Names of Christ: King of Kings

“King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and he shall reign forever and ever...”

The inspiration for the lyrics from the "Hallelujah Chorus" in Handel's Messiah comes from the book of Revelation. But that name is also found in Paul's first letter to Timothy, which reads:

“At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” (1 Timothy 6:15Close1 Timothy 6:15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

Focus on this idea of Christ appearing at just the right time. According to Scripture, Jesus first physically appeared as a baby born in Bethlehem. His true identity was known only to his parents and the wise men coming to bear royal gifts. Despite his public ministry, his teaching, the miracles, and the perfect sinless life that fulfilled prophecy, the people who were anticipating the promised coming Messiah somehow missed him. Why? Because they were preoccupied with the cares of the day at a time of great social, political, and religious upheaval. Scripture also talks about the hardness of their hearts.

Today, we too live in an era of great social and political unrest. And we'd be fooling ourselves if we think our hearts can't also grow cold and callous. As we pursue this idea of a perfect Christmas, our distracted hearts and frazzled minds can distort the true meaning of Christmas. We can even miss or forget the greatest gift ever given—Christ himself.

So how do we guard ourselves against this? We can acknowledge the King of kings and Lord of lords is also the Prince of Peace. And we can remind ourselves that Jesus Himself promised to appear again, returning as the Coming Conquerer. As the book of Revelation, chapter 19, describes, the King of kings and Lord of lords, His robe signifies his royal reign and priestly role. And the thigh, associated with the Old Testament, alludes to the idea of an oath or a promise and victory.

That should give us blessed assurance of Christ’s eternal sovereign reign, that He is indeed mighty to save, and that we can be a part of His kingdom.