JD Abshire Supporter

In 1 Samuel 1:3 God is referred to for the first time as “Lord of hosts”, literally YHWH or Yahweh of armies. This name/title is repeated some 270 times in the Old Testament. Here are a few of those references which will hopefully establish Christ’s preexistence and activity prior to his incarnation and also serve to answer your question concerning Christ’s position as King; please bear with me.

1 Samuel 1:3 “And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.”

Isaiah 37:16 “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.”
Isaiah 44:6 “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”

Isaiah 47:4 “As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 48:2 “For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.”
Psalms 24:10 “Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”
Psalms 46:7 “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”
Psalms 48:8 “As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.”
Psalms 84:12 “O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”

Psalms 47:2 “For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.”
Psalms 47:7 “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.”

Let's summarize:

1. The Lord of hosts is the God to whom the Israelites offered sacrifice and also worshipped. 
2. He is God of all kingdoms of the earth and creator of heaven and earth. (Note the location of his dwelling, very significant “between the cherubims” See Ex.25:17-22, Lev. 16:14-16)
3. He is the redeemer, the first and the last. (See Rev. 1:11, 17; 2:8; 22:13)
4. He is the Holy one of Israel.
5. He is the King of glory. 6. He is the God of Jacob. 7. He is King of all the earth. 

Colossians 1:16 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”

Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

He always has been King and has been working everything according to the plan and purpose of the determinate counsel. (Ephesians 1:11) 

Oh how we Christians should humble ourselves before our great God and Savior. Just to think, imagine and realize the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the creator of heaven and earth was crucified by the very creatures he made. He died for you and me.

October 03 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt Supporter

If we take the words of the magi, then it is clear, Jesus was born King of the Jews, Matthew 2:2. Also, Jesus was recognized as the King of the Jews during His ministry, John 1:49. When Jesus was before Pilate, He affirmed it, Matthew 27:11. 

While Jesus has the credentials, power, and authority, He is a king without a kingdom. No kingdom has been given to Him – yet. Jesus preached about the coming of the kingdom, and people felt and saw the power of such a kingdom, Mark 9:1. During His ministry, Jesus offered the kingdom, but Jewish leaders rejected it, and they crucified Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:3. 

Yet Gabriel, God’s messenger, confirmed to Mary that her Son would be the one given the throne of David, Luke 1:31-32. God promised Him the throne, Psalm 110:1, Acts 2:30, but it will be in God’s time. Matthew 19:28 states when He will sit on the throne. It will be in the “regeneration,” Greek “palingenesis” meaning “beginning again,” indicating the restoration of the world which happens at the Millennium. Even Satan knew Jesus would eventually receive it, but as part of the temptation, showed Him all the kingdoms and offered it to Him then in exchange for worship, Matthew 4:8, but Jesus did not yield. Jesus has not yet received sovereign kingship over the earth.

David went through a similar situation of being a king without a kingdom. He was anointed king, but he went years before he ascended to the throne. Men began to follow him as their leader, I Samuel 22:1-2, until the number was 600 soldiers, 1 Samuel 27:2. In God’s time, David, at the death of Saul, eventually received the right to rule. In like manner, many have acknowledged Jesus as their king and followed Him but are waiting for the kingdom as Joseph of Arimathea did, Mark 15:43.

In another illustration by a parable by Jesus, Luke 19:12 alludes historically to when Herod died and Archelaus his son went to Rome to receive the kingdom. In like manner, it prophetically portrays how Christ would go to heaven to receive the kingdom from the Father. 

But some argue that Jesus is king at the present time and reigns over the church, spiritually fulfilling the Davidic covenant. But Israel and the church are two different entities, 1 Corinthians 10:32. Jesus is the head of the church, but it is never said He is its king. Colossians 1:13-14 speaks of the change of those who believed on Jesus, going from darkness into the kingdom of the Son. This is not literal but figurative imagery.

At the right time, Jesus will come conquering from heaven and will receive the sovereign kingship over the earth, as King of kings and Lord of lords, Daniel 7:14, Matthew 25:31, Revelation 19:16. Meanwhile many follow and serve Him, their king, but now they wait for the kingdom.

7 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report