June 21

Pilate said unto Him, Art Thou a king? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice. John 18, 37.

The office of our Lord Jesus Christ is divided into three parts, as He was anointed to be our Prophet, our High Priest, and our King. As a Prophet He proclaims salvation; as a Priest He obtains it; as a King He applies it. As our King He sits at the right hand of His Father, a Lord over all His enemies, governing, guiding, protecting, and preserving His Church upon earth. If Jesus Christ were not present with His Church on earth as our Defense and the Captain of our salvation, the enemies would long since have triumphed over it and utterly destroyed it. He is King of the whole world; all power is given unto Him in heaven and in earth; all creatures are subject to His sovereign will.

What a comfort for us to know that He, our Brother, our Redeemer, is Lord of all! In His government of the world He certainly does not overlook His own. He controls and directs all creatures in such a manner that all things work together for good to them that love Him. Everything in His Kingdom of Power must serve the upbuilding and preservation of His Kingdom of Grace. In this kingdom Christ rules by His voice, that is, the

Gospel, the saving message of grace. Hence it is not a worldly kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom; it is of a spiritual nature; our heavenly King is enthroned in the hearts of His believers. He fills the heart of each Christian with joy and grace, with comfort and peace.

Do you belong to this kingdom? Does Christ's voice rule your heart? Is He your only Hope and Consolation in life and in death? Then these consoling words apply to you: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." For from the Kingdom of Grace they are transferred to His Kingdom of Glory.

Prayer.

O Lord Jesus Christ, God has placed Thee at His right hand above all angels and principalities, above all power and might, and above everything that is named in this world and in that which is to come. We praise Thee especially, however, because for the good of sinful mankind Thou hast, by Thy Gospel and Thy Holy Spirit, established the Kingdom of Grace on earth, and Thou dost extend this kingdom by turning the hearts of men to Thee. And when the number of Thine elect will be completed, Thou wilt lead them into glory and bless them with heavenly joys; and of Thy kingdom there will be no end. Grant unto me Thy grace that I, too, may enter Thy kingdom. Amen.

Why should the wicked move you? Heed not their craft and spite! Your Savior, who doth love you, Will scatter all their might. He comes, a King most glorious, And all His earthly foes In vain His course victorious Endeavor to oppose.