Jesus Reigns!

Thinking about world conditions, we can see nothing but problems. Our vision can be dominated by conflict and immorality. Looking at the world of 1719, Isaac Watts could have reached similar conclusions. There were problems everywhere. Instead Watts, by faith, saw Biblical prophecies fulfilled and Jesus ruling over everything!

Born on this day in 1674, Watts expressed this conviction in a hymn called “Jesus Shall Reign.” He wrote that Jesus would reign wherever the sun would shine, and His Kingdom would “stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.” He would reign over the “the islands,” and “from north to south” princes would gather to “pay their homage at His feet.”

Watts saw the Gospel spreading to distant lands and “people and realms of every tongue,” young and old, would bless His Name. Prisoners would leap to loose their chains. The weary would “find eternal rest.” Every need would be met. Where Jesus reigns, “He displays His healing power” and “death and the curse are known no more.”

As we think about our Savior, how can we help but praise Him? As Watts declared, “Let every creature rise and bring peculiar honors to our King; angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud amen!”

Today, commit your life to serving Jesus and bringing the Gospel to the nations. Praise His name. Make Him your Lord. Let Him reign!