THE CURRENT REIGN OF JESUS -- Tomorrow:
(1 Corinthians 15:25)
When the Lord overthrew kingdoms, it was depicted as breaking"the scepter of rulers" (Isa 14;5). Further, a scepter was associated with rule, or dominion. It did not represent mere protocol (Ezek 19:14). The conquering of a king was described as breaking "him that holdeth the scepter" (Amos 1:5,8). The triumph over Egypt was described as the departing of its scepter (Zech 10:11).
The coming of the Messiah was related to the "scepter" of the dominance of the tribe of Judah. Therefore it was prophesied, "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be" (Gen 49:10). Balaam prophesied of the coming of the Messiah in these words: "there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel" (Num 24:17).
This language spoke of a reigning Savior -- a King who would be a Priest and a Prophet as well. There would be a certain "scepter," or badge of authority, that would identify His kingdom. What would it be? Would it be the violent overthrow of opposing military forces? Would it be a formidable army, or a jewel encrusted staff that caused men to shake in fear?
The kingdom of Christ has a "scepter" that differs from all other scepters, for it is a Kingdom that differs from all other kingdoms, and Jesus is a King who differs from all other kings. We should make no effort to compare Jesus with other kings, for He is the "King of kings" 1 Tim 6:15). Neither, indeed, should we attempt to compare His Kingdom with the kingdoms of this world, for "it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever" (Dan 2:44). His scepter, therefore, will bear no resemblance to the scepters of earthly kings.
The forty-fifth Psalm makes mention of this scepter. "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom" (Psa 45:6). The book of Hebrews confirms this to be speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. "But to the Son He [the Father] says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom" (Heb 1:8).
This righteousness is not simply the adjudication of upright and honorable principles in society. It is the communication of the righteousness of God through faith to the sons of men. The possession of righteousness is proof of Divine acceptance.
The holding forth of this scepter is not a cold formality that allows for the one approaching Christ's throne to draw near merely to be heard. It does not merely authorize, so to speak, the individual to make his desires known, although that is something that surely results. When this scepter is held forth, those for whom it is lifted are "made righteous" (Rom 5:19).
The imputation of righteous precedes the indwelling of Christ, who "IN" us becomes "the hope of glory" (Col 1:27). Therefore, wherever truly righteous souls are found, the reign of Jesus is being made known. It takes a reigning Monarch to make us righteous, and to keep us righteous as well. It is quite true that those who are in Christ Jesus "DO" righteousness. However, they "DO" righteousness because they have been "made the righteousness of God" in Christ (2 Cor 5:21). As it is written, "he that doeth righteousness IS righteous, even as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7). And again, "every one that doeth righteousness IS born of Him" (1 John 2:29).
By the same token, wherever men have immersed themselves in unrighteousness, the reign of Jesus has been personally rejected. Jesus spoke of such a rejection in one of His matchless parables. There He depicted the attitude of the rejecting Israelites in these words: "We will not have this man to reign over us" (Lk 19:14). Such people continue to live only by the mercies of the Lord. He is the King, and righteousness is the scepter of His kingdom. Unless men come to receive that righteousness in this world, during this "day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2), that righteous scepter will become their total undoing in the great and notable day of the Lord.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, grant me grace to be an exhibit of Your own righteousness before my peers.