King of Kings

Scripture Reading — Revelation 19:11-16

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
— Revelation 19:16

Have you ever seen a sight so big that you couldn’t fully take it in? I experienced that at the Grand Canyon—a mile deep, 18 miles (29 km) across, and 275 miles (443 km) long—the sheer size of it is dizzying. The greatness and beauty of this natural wonder can draw us in, but it can be dangerous if we approach it carelessly.

The truths of Revelation 19 are in some ways like that. Jesus appears with a series of striking names: Faithful and True, Word of God, King of kings, Lord of lords—even a name that no one else knows.

As the rest of Revelation 19 shows with vivid, symbolic imagery, the Lord Jesus stops the powers of evil and its lying, cheating work against the kingdom of God and his people (see also Revelation 13). Evil and its powerful forces are no match for the King of kings and Lord of lords. He has “many crowns” and all authority. His Word is sharper than any sword. No tyrant or demonic power gets the last word. Jesus does.

We cannot fully take him in, and when we recognize that Jesus’ greatness is beyond our imagining, we respond with awe and worship—or with paralyzing fear. Why? Because Jesus is both Judge and Savior. He has the power to save all who believe in his name, and he has the power to defeat all who oppose his goodness, love, and mercy.

Have you encountered the Lord of lords? He wants you to enjoy life with him forever!

King Jesus, rule us, filling us with your life and love. Help us to tell others of your greatness and your power to save. Amen.

Written by: Lora Copley