No King But Jesus
We are living in a very unique period of human history. We are not only watching dramatic events occur throughout the nations and the unfolding of redemptive history, we are also in a moment in time where technology allows us to receive real-time updates constantly, incessantly, almost too much to take in. The barrage of updates and new situations arising is overwhelming.
The nations are in a season of shaking, as Haggai described it. When you are living in the midst of the shaking, it is hard to gain perspective because all we see are the constant changes. However, from a macro view, the nations are undergoing another season of turnover and transition, primarily seen through the war as the empires are fighting for a multipolar world and the United States is trying to keep its unipolar position as the dominant empire. These cycles happen regularly and repeatedly throughout history and shouldn’t surprise us now.
The outward trouble spots in the world include Russia-Ukraine, Israel, and the Middle East, where Israel is currently fighting at five different fronts (Gaza, Samaria, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen) with an eye on the mother target, Iran. These conflicts do not include the constant military threat of China against Taiwan or North Korea flexing their military muscles. The entanglement and unexpected alliances forming between these nations are putting the world on a seemingly inevitable fast track to World War III.
More dangerous and insidious than the grievous results of war are the ideological and spiritual underpinnings that drive the cultural and economic demand for change. This, for example, is seen in the marriage of communism and Islam. It is also seen in the ascension of the nations called the Global South (BRICS+ and emerging markets), which are challenging the G7 nations economically, primarily through de-dollarization. It is seen in the increase of lawlessness, violence, and deception throughout the world. It is seen with the rise of Islamic beliefs and demands simultaneously with an increase in antisemitism. These and other ideologies are birthing revolutions in nations and hostilities between ethnic groups.
The world is reeling with instability at all levels of society. Even in the United States, former President Trump had an assassination attempt against him; President Biden stepped down from reelection and installed Vice President Kamala Harris as the democratic nominee. The country is divided on many social and moral issues while inflation and national debt continue to increase and our economy becomes more susceptible. And this is just the beginning of our election cycle for the presidency.
We are witnessing the same shakings in the Global Church of Jesus Christ. Leaders from so many denominations and movements are being exposed for their sins and ungodly lifestyles. The exposure of Mike Bickle and the closure of much of IHOPKC have been personally significant to me.
God is shaking all aspects of our lives. The cumulative changes and challenges can cause your heart to feel unstable, especially when foundational societal structures become uprooted. Familial, religious, and government structures and leaders are reference points for stability in our lives. King David the psalmist pondered the same type of pressures in his generation, which led to the same question in Psalm 11:3. When the foundations of society are shaken and destroyed, it leaves people searching for stability and direction. The world seems to be out of control, and there is no compass. He asked, “What can the righteous do?”
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)
The very next verse, Psalm 11:4, gives us the answer. The Lord is in His holy temple on His throne! The Bible reveals God as the ultimate King over the affairs of men and earth. He is the unquestioned absolute authority, with no challengers to His rule! David reiterated this truth with an exclamation mark when he declared that God the Lord sat as King at the flood during Noah’s generation. At the time of the most significant judgment on the earth in human history, when God destroyed the entire earth except for Noah’s family and the animals in the ark, He was in complete control. Moreover, David says that the Lord sits as King forever, meaning that He holds history in His hands.
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. (Psalm 11:4)
The LORD sat as King at the flood; Yes, the LORD sits as King forever. (Psalm 29:10)
The throne and kingship of Jesus, as revealed in the New Testament, becomes our anchor or starting point to evaluate and understand the movements of men and nations. Looking at the affairs on earth through the eyes of the King in heaven comforts and reassures our hearts, knowing that Jesus is in control and that He is the One guiding human history.
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev 19:16)
People react differently to the shakings and pressures of their lives. The most accessible tendency is to act like it doesn’t affect us and turn our attention and affection to the things of the world to cover our insecurities. Jesus describes this as being “weighted down” with dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life. He specifically says to “be on guard” over our hearts so that we will not be overwhelmed by the pressures coming upon the earth. We must be honest and recognize the weight of the unknown things coming upon our hearts and our search to relieve these pressures.
26men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken….34“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; (Luke 21:26, 34)
In these days of transition and preparation, it is normal for our souls to feel the shaking occurring throughout our world and to want to run and hide. Some want life to return to normal like it was before. Let me encourage us to allow the shaking of the soul to escort our hearts to the Kingship of Christ! The throne of God is at the center of the unshakable kingdom which has been given to us. The One who dwells on this throne is the only place for stability, salvation, wisdom, and knowledge! Let the shakings of our soul lead us deeper into the nature of our Jesus. No King but Jesus means we intentionally focus on God’s throne to find our way amid the storm.
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken… (Heb 12:28a)
5The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. 6And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure. (Isa 33:5-6)
—Roger Lee