“…who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.”
(1 Timothy 6:15)
One of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture is that the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) has no rights to creation and no power to deceive and destroy beyond what is given him for a time by God.
Rather, God reigns supreme over all by divine rights of creation and redemption. And He has given all authority and dominion to Christ as the King – “King of kings and Lord of lords,” (Matt. 28:18, John 3:35, Phil. 2:9, Rev. 19:16).
As Paul says in Ephesians 1:19-22: “… according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places… Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and hath put all things under His feet. “
The Lord Christ has power over the spirit world and the world we can see, touch and smell. His reign extends to angels and devils, to the wicked and the good. All creation depends on Him and, therefore, must essentially be subject to Him (Ps. 145:16-17).
We have sayings like “the long arm of the law” or “kings have long arms.” This is eminently true of Christ because He sees and knows all. His enemies cannot escape His judgment (Jude 1:15), and He is able to bring those whom God has given Him into the family, no matter who or where they are (Eph. 2:17).
In short, nothing and no one can limit His dominion. “He hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all,” (Ps. 103:19). This truth should strengthen our faith, for whatever happens, and no matter how “out of control” things might appear, we know it is all part of God’s grand plan. This is why we can experience peace instead of stress, worry, and fear in the midst of life’s challenges. Christ’s kingship should press us as believers to adore Him all the more, knowing He is near, and draws us near, and reigns over us with a long arm that reaches down into our heart and soul for His glory and our eternal happiness.
Louis Berkhof said, “This dominion of God is really the execution of His eternal purpose, embracing all His works from the beginning, all that was, or is, or ever shall be.”
“Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all,”
(1 Chronicles 29:11-12).
- O Lord, who is like You? Who could I possibly compare You to? These are thoughts that are far beyond me. You created all things, no matter what they are, even things that are invisible that I can’t see like angels and demons. They were created by You, but also for You. You are the Great King over all Your creation, the all-powerful God, the Ruler, the Supreme God who is in the heavens and who “does whatsoever You please.”
- All of creation is to give You all the glory, all the praise and honor. Your name deserves it! That includes me. How is it that You looked down at me, a poor sinner, and picked me up from the mud of my sin, cleaned me off through Jesus, and set me on the Rock that is higher than I am? I exist at this very moment because of Your power, governing and sustaining all the atoms in my body. You hold them all together. What praise for all this is enough for You?
- Lord, the earth, the heavens, the very universe itself, would all fly apart if You did not uphold it by the power of Your will. You govern distant stars in places I can’t even see, planets that revolve around suns in galaxies far, far away because You are the Lord of Lords, the blessed and only King of kings! How should I praise you for all that You are and all that You do?
- Lord Jesus, You alone hold eternity and immortality in the palm of Your hand. You dwell in pure light which no man can withstand. You are the all-powerful One, majestic, holy, and infinitely true! Help my frail and limited mind to understand You better, to be able to see You clearer. Show me how I might have high and worshipful thoughts of You.
- Lord, how can I see more of Your splendor in Your Word? You have the kingly power to reveal or hide salvation from men. I am so thankful You revealed it to me! And I am thrilled, with eyes wide open to who You are as my Savior and Lord, to be called a servant of the King of kings.
Further References for 1 Timothy 6:15
Rev 17:14, 19:16; 1Tim 1:11, 17, 2:6; Ps. 47:2, 136:3; Deut. 10:17; Dan. 2:47.
