Jesus Shall Reign

As we look at the world, we see many problems—tumult rather than triumph. Our eyes can be grieved by sin, war, rebellion, and evil. But in 1719, when Isaac Watts looked at the world through eyes of faith, he saw a time when Bible prophecies had been fulfilled and Jesus ruled over everything! Watts, who was born on this day in 1674, expressed this faith in a hymn called “Jesus Shall Reign.”

In his study of hymns, Albert Bailey points out that Watts transformed the 72nd Psalm “into a celebration of the conquests of Christ among the heathen.” What would the world look like after the Great Commission was realized and “the Gospel preached to all nations”?

Watts wrote, “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does his successive journeys run; His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.” He would reign over the “the islands with their kings,” and “from north to south” princes would gather to “pay their homage at His feet.”

Watts saw the Gospel spread to Persia and India. How “people and realms of every tongue,” young and old, would bless His name. Prisoners would leap to lose their chains. The weary would “find eternal rest.” Every need would be met where Jesus reigned: “He displays His healing power,” and “death and the curse are known no more.”

As we think about our wonderful Savior, how can we help but praise Him! “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. Dedicate yourself to bringing the Gospel to the nations so hurting Souls can be saved. Make Jesus your Lord. Worship Him. Let Him reign in you!