King for a Day

Nº 339

January 28, 2025

Jesus Christ is ... not merely a king, but King of kings and Lord of lords. Thus when you confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord” you at once confess His incarnation and His Messiahship and His lordship, sealed by His glorious resurrection as He now forever reigns. - Kent Hughes

Isaac and Rebecca’s twin sons established powerful nations. Jacob’s descendants became the Israelites and Esau’s family became the Edomites. Genesis 36 contains an odd listing of Edom’s rulers. Seven times this pattern is repeated: “Bela died, and Jobab reigned in his place.” Then “Jobab died and Husham reigned in his place.” Following in turn, Hadad, Samlah, Shaul, Baal-hanan, and Hadar each had his moment of glory before giving way to the next ruler. (Genesis 36: 33-39)

King after king ruled, died, and was buried. Power, wealth, influence, and authority slipped between their cold, arthritic fingers and into the grasp of young, eager hands.

This litany of rulers reminds us that every powerful person in our world has a shelf life. For better or worse, our mortality brings the power of every mighty leader to an end. Alexander the Great, Genghis Kahn, Napoleon, Hitler, Moa, and all the rest ruled, died, and were buried.

Fortunately, our hope rests not in rulers who come and go. Our allegiance resides in the King of kings who died, was buried, yet rose again. Despite the transient nature of earthly rulers, the Psalmist reminds us, “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President