The Ruler

Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.—Revelation 1:5 NASB

Looking at the first-century world, believers appeared to be powerless, dominated by foreign armies and alien political forces. Yet in the revelation John received, Jesus was declared to be the “ruler of the kings of the earth.” We can imagine John asking, “If Jesus is the ruler, why don’t we see more evidence of His reign?”

This would have been a logical response if they just thought in natural terms. Yet through a spiritual revelation, believers were being taught to think in new ways. They needed a revelation that required the work of the Holy Spirit. John himself was able to receive this revelation because he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (v. 10).

With spiritual eyes, John could look at the world from God’s perspective. Realizing that Jesus was the ruler put everything in context. Some may have felt powerless, but Jesus is the King of kings (Revelation 19:16) and the “ruler of the kings of the earth.” His people are citizens of this victorious Kingdom.

In our time, generals and kings may think they have the power, but Jesus still is the Alpha and the Omega. He is before time and beyond time. He is and was and is to come (v. 8). He still is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Worship and praise Him, our risen Savior and Lord.

Reflection Question: Reflect on what it means to have Jesus as the King of your life.