“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts;
I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”
(Isaiah 44:6)
The Lord’s kingship is not an office assumed in time but a glory that belongs to Him from everlasting. Indeed, His dominion did not begin with history, nor does it depend upon it because even before there were subjects to govern, there was a kingdom within Himself.[1]
When Scripture says, “Thy throne is established of old; thou art from everlasting,” it does not only affirm that God exists forever, but that His rule is as eternal as His essence. God possessed sovereignty before He possessed creation. He had counsels, designs, and purposes within Himself, able to bring forth worlds beyond number, disposing of all things according to His will. To be King of all is consistent with His nature.
This is why He speaks as the First and the Last. He is the head of all things and remains when all things have passed away. There is no god before Him, no rival beside Him, no successor after Him. He alone calls, declares, and sets things in order. Earthly kings rule by delegated authority, limited counsel, and borrowed power. But God rules by inherent right, infinite wisdom, and unmatched strength.
Scripture repeatedly presents the proclamation “The Lord reigns” as the best news the world can hear. Heaven rejoices because He reigns. Earth is glad because He reigns. Seas roar, fields rejoice, floods clap their hands, and hills are joyful together because the throne of God is unshaken. Creation itself celebrates His kingship, because all things stand or fall under His rule.
Knowing the Lord reigns eternal calls the soul to worship, and steadies it in times of confusion. It strengthens faith and emboldens prayer because a King who reigns from everlasting cannot be threatened, surprised, or overthrown. And the soul assured of this reality finds rest in these foundational truths.
This is why the proclamation of God’s reign is both worship and supplication. It calls the heart upward in praise and anchors it downward in trust. To know that God is King is to know that all things are ordered, even when they are not understood. Thus let us submit willingly, seek earnestly, and ask boldly, knowing that the One who hears reigns before all time and beyond all change.
Contemplations
- Yielding my will to Your eternal rule. Lord, I confess that I often think of Your kingship only when I need Your help. Teach me to yield my will daily to Your reign. And help me submit to Your will gladly, trusting that Your rule is wise, ancient, and good beyond my understanding.
- Seeking refuge in Your unshaken throne. King eternal, when my circumstances feel unstable, my heart looks for something firm. I confess that I sometimes seek security in lesser things. Draw my confidence back to You. Your throne was established before time, and nothing can unsettle it now. Let my soul rest where no fear can reach, under the rule of One who reigns forever.
- Asking with confidence under Your dominion. Father, You are not only powerful, but present in Your rule. Remind me of this truth when I pray, knowing that I ask a reigning King and not a hesitant ruler. Shape my prayers to reflect confidence in Your authority, patience in Your timing, and trust in Your wise ordering of all things.
- Longing for Your glory to be known. Lord, my heart desires that Your kingship be proclaimed more clearly in my life. Give me courage to live, speak, and pray as one who knows You are King of kings. And let my life point others to the peace and hope found under Your eternal dominion.
Prayer (Supplication)
O LORD, King of Israel and Redeemer of Your people, I come before You acknowledging that You are the First and the Last, and beside You there is no God. Your throne was established of old, before time began, and Your reign will never end. I ask You now to bring the reality of Your kingship more fully into my heart and life.
Rule over my thoughts, Lord, where anxiety rises. Calm my fears with the truth that You reign from everlasting and that nothing unfolds outside Your counsel. Order my steps according to Your will, especially when I do not understand Your purposes.
When the world seems loud with competing powers and false authorities, remind me that all rule and authority yield to You. And let the knowledge that You are King strengthen my faith when I feel uncertain.
Teach me to pray as one who knows whom he addresses. Let my requests be shaped by reverence, confidence, and submission. Guard me from praying as though outcomes depend upon chance or human strength. Train my heart to ask boldly, trusting that You order all things wisely and bring about Your purposes in Your perfect time.
Extend the influence of Your kingdom through my life. Let my words reflect trust in Your reign. Let my actions demonstrate submission to Your authority. Use me, Lord, as one small instrument through whom Your kingship is honored in my obedience.
I ask You also to comfort those who are weary, oppressed, or fearful, who struggle to believe that You reign. Let the light of Christ rise in their hearts. Grant them joy, confidence, and hope under Your everlasting dominion. Cause Your Church to rejoice in You, to proclaim Your reign, and to give thanks to the remembrance of Your holiness.
O King eternal, reign more fully in me. Order my life, direct my prayers, and establish my hope upon Your everlasting throne.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Isa. 44:6:
Isa. 48:12; Rev. 1:17; Deut. 4:35; Rev. 22:13
[1] Thomas Goodwin, The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 4 (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1862), 398–399.
