“Of the angels he says, ‘He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.’ But of the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.’”- Hebrews 1:7-9
Jesus Is A Better King To Serve
As we continue our journey exploring why Jesus is undeniably better, we delve into the profound reality that Jesus is the ultimate King to serve. Here are three compelling reasons why:
1. The Angels’ Service vs. Jesus’ Sovereignty
The angels, despite their power and significance, remain in roles of service, dutifully carrying out God’s divine instructions. In stark contrast, Jesus occupies the position of supreme authority and rulership. His Kingdom transcends all others in its everlasting and unchallenged dominion.
2. The Reign of Impeccable Righteousness
In Jesus’ Kingdom, the rule of perfect righteousness reigns supreme. It’s a realm where every aspect is governed by justice, equity, and unwavering moral integrity. His sovereignty is a reflection of His divine nature, and every facet of His rule mirrors His profound love for righteousness.
3. The Realm of Unending Joy
The Kingdom of Jesus is more than just a dominion; it’s a realm of unparalleled and eternal joy. It brims with the delight of God’s presence, and in serving the rightful King, one discovers an unceasing source of joy that transcends all understanding.
The Critical Role of Authority
Understanding the concept of misplaced authority in our lives is more critical than we might realize. When our submission to authority is misplaced, it inevitably diverts us away from joy rather than leading us toward it. The term “kingdom” may sound somewhat abstract, but in essence, it represents any place or authority we’ve turned to, granting it dominion over our lives. This could take the form of the opinions of a particular group of people, the allure of a specific lifestyle, the influence of social media, or fundamentally, the kingdom of “self.” As human beings, we were designed to live under the guidance of someone or something, and we often choose to be governed by what we believe will bring us the most joy.
Nik Ripken, the author of the thought-provoking books, “The Insanity of God” and “The Insanity of Obedience,” boldly claims that there’s nowhere in the world where we aren’t free to proclaim Christ. This statement, at first, might sound contradictory when considering the real-world challenges faced by Christians in various regions. Yet, his message is powerful—we give authority to what we believe will secure our happiness. When Jesus commands, “You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth,” and we encounter government opposition, it becomes evident where our true authority lies. The question becomes: Do we find our happiness in the authority of Jesus or in the authority of a government?
Putting It into Practice: Jesus Is A Better King
In practice, whatever we yield to, whatever we endow with authority in our lives, whatever we permit to govern us—Jesus is better. We need to get into the habit of filtering the influences of authority in our lives by responding with “Let me check with Jesus on that.” This should not be merely a reactive filter but a proactive one as well. As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we develop an intimate understanding of Jesus’ character and authority, which enables us to make choices that align with His divine will.
The resounding message from heaven is clear: all the other influences we grant authority to—be it family members, influential bloggers, social media gurus, or even our own desires—Jesus is infinitely better. He has existed eternally, comprehends life perfectly, and knows the way life is meant to be lived. And when we choose to wholeheartedly submit to Him, we experience joy that surpasses our wildest imaginations.
To read Jesus is Better (Pt. 3) CLICK HERE
