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4. The Lamb of God's Victory Over the Antichrist - Proclaimed in Advance! (Revelation 17:9b-14)
The Sovereign Title of the Lamb of God at His Return (v 14): The angel of Revelation said to John that the Lamb was “the Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14). Similarly, the angel in Bethlehem had revealed to the shepherds in the field that the newborn babe in the manger was also the “Savior”, “Messiah” and “Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). These three titles are loaded with authority, glory and everlastingness.
“Savior”, in Greek “Soter”, designated the world-ruler who had overcame all his enemies and bestowed upon his country enduring peace, prosperity and blessing. In the days of Jesus Augustus was honored with this title. At that time he ruled over all known lords and princes in his Roman world-kingdom.
“Messiah” is the title of the anointed King out of David's line, who in accord with prophecy would be born in Bethlehem and possess all the might, wisdom and godly-fear of His father David. God also promised to adopt Him and declare Him to be His Son (2 Samuel 7:12-14). Even today, many Jews are awaiting the coming of their Messiah, not recognizing that He already lived and worked on our earth. Most are still expecting an earthly ruler, who from Jerusalem will exercise rule over all the nations of the earth, not knowing that this expectation will be fulfilled in the Antichrist! Between Jesus and the son of Satan the battle for every single Jewish man, woman and child is in full swing.
The name “Lord” is called “Yahweh” in Hebrew. This name is the most important name for God in the Old Testament, the most important name period. It appears in the 39 books of the Old Testament 6828 times. Since the angels also called Jesus “Lord”, they testified that the Almighty had become man in the Son of Mary, and that all of His attributes and authority dwell in Jesus. Therefore, we confess together with all churches: Jesus Christ is the awaited Messiah. He is the Lord personally!
Whoever comprehends and believes these New Testament declarations has an idea of the depth and all encompassing significance of the words of the mighty angel to John, calling Him the King of kings and the Lord of lords. What do these honor titles say to us?
- All the sovereigns of the world are sinners, but Jesus remained sinless and holy.
- No king could in himself heal the sick and raise the dead only Jesus!
- All sovereigns are weak and small, measured against the omnipotence of God, but He gave all power on heaven and earth to Jesus.
- All kings need a Savior to free them from their sins, but Jesus is the unique Savior, who needs no helper.
- All the mighty of this world can only judge or praise their subjects, but Jesus gives to all who believe on Him His Holy Spirit, His eternal life.
- All of the rulers of the world are mortal, but Jesus lives eternally.
- All lords and demons will be judged, but Jesus is their Judge!
Jesus is incomparably more merciful and mighty than all the rulers of this world. No one can compare to Him, but at most submit to Him, love and worship Him. But that is what the Antichrist wants to avoid under all circumstances. His hardened followers hate the Lamb of God. Our Lord and Savior is no capricious ruler, but a Lamb, that suffered for all and offered Himself for unworthy sinners. The Kingly Lamb didn't live for Himself, but loved all men and reconciled them to the Holy God (2 Corinthians 5:19-21). Millions, however, disregard His grace, and reject both it and HIM.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, we worship to You and rejoice because You love us and have saved us from the devil's trick, delivered us from the authority of death, forgiven us our sins, and made us children of God, the Father. We give thanks to You and wish to serve You in gratitude for our salvation. We eagerly await Your return that You may accomplish Your glorious victory, free the world from the spite of the Evil One, and declare the kingdom of Your love and peace. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What are the prominent titles that confirm to you that Christ is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings?