Lord of Lords, King of Kings

 

When Jesus returns to the Earth the second time He will come as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. His first coming fulfilled the role of “Lamb of God”, but His return will be as an absolute ruler over all rulers, all nations, and all powers. That is what the title means in Revelation – Jesus is returning to judge the world and establish His earthly kingdom. No power, no king, no lord can oppose him and hope to win, because He is coming to reign supreme over a kingdom that will never end (Dan 7:13-14).

The title is used in two places in John’s visions. The first is in Revelation 17:14 where Messiah is referred to as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. In this first reference the title Lord of Lords precedes the title King of Kings. That is perhaps due to the emphasis in chapter 17 of Jesus returning to defeat the eighth beast in the battle of Armageddon. That great rebellion and assault on Israel will be led by the man of lawlessness, who will claim to be God (II Thes 2:4, 9), deceiving his followers with signs and wonders. Jesus will defeat him because He is the Lord above all Lords, the divine Son of God.

In Revelation 19:16 the title is used again, but the title King of Kings precedes the title Lord of Lords. In this passage Jesus is viewed as a warrior-judge who administers God’s judgment and wrath upon all the nations (Rev 19 11-16). In so doing, He establishes His kingdom, becoming the King of Kings for the rest of time and eternity.

Other New Testament writings amplify this title, declaring the supremacy of Jesus Christ (Col 1:18). God raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand (Eph 1:19-23). God placed all things under his rule – all powers, all creation, the universe, even the angels (Heb 1:3-4). Because Jesus humbled himself and became obedient, even to death on a cross, God exalted him and gave him the name that is above all names (Phil 2:5-11). The Lamb of God will return as the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.

That return will occur very, very soon. Every man and woman have the opportunity to submit to His loving, righteous reign, by humbly accepting His atonement for sin. Or they can choose to ignore His claims as Lord of all and be found as an enemy of the King when He returns.