Seventy years have passed since a Coronation ceremony in Britain last occurred. Do you know what else happened back in 1953? Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest. It was a monumental year. Since these occasions, well over one thousand people have gone on to climb the highest mountain in the world, whereas only one has succeeded Queen Elizabeth II to the throne – King Charles III. Saturday, May 6th, 2023 will see the King’s Coronation take place in the iconic Westminster Abbey. The pageantry and splendour on display will grip the attention of millions across the world.

It is said that the Coronation is meant to reflect the type of reign and role the King wishes to exercise. It is believed that the whole procession and ceremony while holding to longstanding traditions, will be shorter than His mother’s. As for what kind of reign will be his – time will only tell.

No such waiting is required when we come to think of the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible, God’s Word, describes for us exactly who He is as King and what His Kingdom is. In fact, so precise is the Bible’s teaching on the Kingship and Kingdom of Christ that it even makes it clear how people may enter it and become children of the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-7). 

In one of David’s Psalms, the question is asked, ‘Who is this King of glory?’ (Psalm 24:8). The answer is supplied but the question itself gives us the ideal basis to contemplate Christ the King in all His glory. 

He is the eternal king.

‘The LORD is King for ever and ever’ Psalm 10:16. When Israel complained and wanted to be like other nations, God gave them King Saul – a king whose reign did not end well. While the great reign of King David followed, there was also that consciousness in the nation that another king was needed. This is because they, like us all, are in need of a greater King – Christ Himself. Long reigns through history are impressive but greater still is the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. The angel said to Mary regarding Jesus, ‘and of his kingdom there shall be no end’ (Luke 1:33). Let us hold on to this truth and live confidently for God under the banner of it.

He is the all-powerful king.

‘And I heard the voice of mighty thunderings, saying Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.’ (Revelation 19:6).

Is it impossible for us to appreciate what having ‘all power’ feels like – this is because it is an attribute which belongs to God alone. We must remember that behind the regalia in which King Charles III will be crowned, is a man whose weakness and sinfulness is the same as us all. His power is inherited and constitutional – it is not inherent and certainly not all-encompassing. Regarding the authoritative kingship of our Lord Jesus we must remember that by being the eternal Son of God, He is all-powerful. Also, Jesus on account of His atoning death and victorious resurrection could say, ‘all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth’ (Matthew 28:18).

He is the sovereign king.

King Nebuchadnezzar reached a time in his life when humbled by God, his understanding returned to him. It is one of the most fascinating transformations we read of in the Bible. I would love to have sat before this man as he relayed the change that God effected. Listen to him as he confesses, ‘I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation….none can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?’ (Daniel 4:34,35).

This is the reign of our God and Saviour. His divine and irresistible sovereignty is the answer to countless questions people ask today when faced with dilemmas. Nestled into his Sovereignty is His infinite wisdom; many times in the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus we witness those occasions when what He said left people speechless. The Kingly reign and monarch of King Charles III is rightly a limited one. Thankfully, we are not living in the days where Kings and Queens lopped off heads and extinguished lives for one reason or another. We must take great comfort in the wise sovereignty of God and not view this Biblical truth as intimidating. Listen what to Revelation calls the song of Moses, ‘great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints’ (Revelation 15:3).

Let us always look further and higher to the King of Glory in all His glory.