Christ—Prophet, Priest And King
Part 3
King
The Old Testament presents many prophets, priests, and kings, all of whom awaken a desire to know the greater prophet, priest, and king, the Lord Jesus. He, thank God, has come! He is the Christ; a greater Prophet than Moses, a greater Priest than Aaron, and a greater King than David. His prophetic ministry was known while He was here on earth; His priestly ministry continues in Heaven; His kingly rule will extend eventually over the entire Universe. “The Most High ruleth among the kingdoms of men” (Dan. 4:32). The Scriptures outline in general God’s government over mankind; over the nation of Israel, and over the separate Gentile nations.
In the Old Testament we have many prophecies concerning Christ as king; for example, Isaiah 9:6-7; 32:1, Psalm 2:6; 72:1 and 20. In the New Testament it is recorded that the Wise Men asked, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” When Pilate raised the question, “Art Thou then a king?” The Lord Jesus affirmed that He was. Over the cross Pilate placed the superscription, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians asserted that Christ was a king in saying “He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet” (1 Cor. 15:25).
The Apostle John does likewise: “Grace and peace … from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead, and the prince (ruler) of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5). If a text were needed for this article Paul would provide a splendid one: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour, and glory, for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim. 1:17). Our Lord Jesus was, and is, and always will be King. He is King of angels, King of saints, King over all to be testified in due time, that time when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to His Father, it will be perfect and rid of every opposing influence.
The preparation for the King’s reign is seen in the judgment of apostate christendom (Rev. 17:1-18), the overthrowal of the beast and the false prophet (Rev. 19:19-20), and the binding of Satan (Rev. 20:1-3). Other evidences of His triumph will be the judgment of the nations (Matt. 25:31-46), and the regathering of Israel. The benefits of the King’s reign will be: the abolition of war (Isa. 2-4. Mich. 4:3), the liberation of all nature (Rom. 8:19-22), and the blessings and the glory of Christ seen throughout the entire earth (Psa. 72). In Revelation 22:3-5, we have the sevenfold glories of the eternal order in a new creation, in a New Heaven and a New Earth wherein shall dwell righteousness. Unto Christ be the honour, the power, and the dominion. In the language of the Psalmist we adore Him: “In Thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Thy right hand shall teach Thee terrible things. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; whereby the people fall under Thee. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.