Day 22: Reigning

Who is Jesus? His God-ness was not diminished by his humanity. He is in very nature God, which means he reigns supreme. He is glorified and seated on his throne in heaven. It’s true that despite his rights as a king, he took on human flesh and offered himself as a sacrifice, and in doing so he became our representative in atoning for sins. He himself did not sin, but rather bore our sins for us. He satisfied the Father’s requirement for propitiation, and thus has purified us. But in contemplating all that he has done for us, it is most important that we understand that we do not worship a Savior who was unwillingly born, forced to suffer, and crucified as a victim. As the very Son of God, he did his Father’s work voluntarily, knowingly, and obediently. We know he suffered, yet he suffered resolutely, with his own purpose in mind. He was like a king riding out to battle, defeating sin and death. He came to rescue us. It was accomplished. And now he sits and reigns forever. That is our Jesus.

Scriptures to consider:
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn in to the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” Hebrews 1:3-9

Hymn to enjoy:
For unto us a child is born (x4)

Unto us a son is given (x4)

For unto us a child is born
For unto us a child is born
Unto us a son is given
Unto us a son is given
Unto us a son is given
Unto us a son
Unto us a son, a son, a son

And his name shall be called
Wonderful, counselor
The mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace

Surely, surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows
Surely, surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows

And he shall reign forever and ever (x4)

Halleluiah (x4)

And he shall reign forever and ever (x4)

Music by George Frideric Handel; words compiled from Scripture by Charles Jennens (1741)

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