Introduction
This article is the third in a three-part series exploring the Munus Triplex—the threefold office of Christ as Priest, Prophet, and King. This article focuses on Jesus Christ as the Cosmic King.
Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias” [1] recounts the tale of a traveller who stumbles upon the ruins of a once-mighty statue in a desolate desert. The pedestal bears the arrogant inscription:
“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
The irony is striking. The “colossal wreck” of the statue, surrounded by “boundless and bare” sands, starkly contrasts with the boastful claim. The lifeless ruins speak to the frailty and transience of human power. Earthly kings like Ozymandias derive their authority from fleeting sources—armies, monuments, and the fear of their subjects. Such power is fragile, tethered to the impermanence of human institutions and mortal bodies. Time erodes their legacies, and death ultimately levels their kingdoms. Even the mightiest are forgotten, their grand achievements lost beneath the sands of history.
In contrast to Ozymandias’ temporal reign, the prophet Daniel introduces us to a figure whose kingship is eternal: the Son of Man. In a vision filled with awe and wonder, Daniel describes:
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
The image of the Son of Man presents a ruler whose authority does not stem from human might or mortal strength but from the Ancient of Days, who grants Him a divine commission and guarantees the permanence of His reign. His dominion is universal, extending to “all peoples, nations, and languages,” and His kingdom is imperishable, untouched by the ravages of time and decay. This vision finds fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who frequently refers to Himself as the Son of Man in the Gospels. Unlike Ozymandias, whose earthly reign crumbled into oblivion, Jesus established a kingdom that will never fade. His kingship is founded not on human frailty but on divine power and eternal authority. Where Ozymandias’ legacy inspires despair as a cautionary tale of human hubris, Christ’s reign offers life, hope, and redemption in a kingdom that will endure forever.
The Biblical Role of King
The biblical role of the king is rooted in the establishment of divine authority and leadership among God’s people, addressing their need for guidance and justice following the Fall in Genesis 3, which introduced disorder and rebellion into creation. Kings were tasked with ruling on God’s behalf, ensuring justice and righteousness in the land (2 Samuel 23:3-4), and protecting the people from oppression and external threats (1 Samuel 8:20). Their authority symbolized the reign of God, underlining their responsibility to lead according to His law (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Ultimately, their role anticipated the eternal kingship of Christ, whose perfect and everlasting dominion fulfils the divine purpose of kingship (Daniel 7:14; Revelation 19:16).
Archetypal Kings
The archetypal kings of the Bible serve as both shadows of God’s ideal ruler and as signposts pointing to the ultimate kingship of Jesus Christ.
David, the Shepherd King (1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 7): David is a king chosen for his heart, not his stature, and God establishes a covenant with him promising an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Yet David’s sins, like his affair with Bathsheba and the resulting consequences (2 Samuel 11-12), highlight the imperfections of human rulers. Christ, the Son of David (Luke 1:32-33), fulfils this covenant as the eternal and sinless King.
Solomon, the Wise King (1 Kings 1-11): Solomon foreshadows Christ through his unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 3:12-13) and the building of the temple, which points to Christ as the true temple (John 2:19-21). However, Solomon’s idolatry and divided heart (1 Kings 11:4-11) underscore the frailty of human kingship.
Hezekiah, the Reformer King (2 Kings 18-20): Hezekiah models reliance on God, trusting Him to deliver Judah from Assyria (2 Kings 19:15-19, 35-37). Yet, his pride and short-sightedness in showing Babylon his treasures (2 Kings 20:12-19) contrast with Christ’s perfect humility and eternal wisdom (Philippians 2:8).
Nebuchadnezzar, the Worldly King (Daniel 1-4): As the ruler of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar epitomizes the hubris of earthly kings who exalt themselves above God. His humbling by God and eventual acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty illustrate the fleeting nature of human power and foreshadow the eternal reign of the Son of Man, whose dominion surpasses all kingdoms.
Jesus Christ as the Cosmic King
The sovereignty of Christ is unparalleled, for He does not derive His power from armies, wealth, or alliances but from His divine nature as the eternal Son of God. He commands the cosmos, sustaining all things by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). His reign is not limited by borders or bound by time but is universal and everlasting, extending over every nation, tribe, and tongue, uniting them in worship under His rule (Revelation 7:9-10).
Christ’s kingship is marked by infinite wisdom and perfect justice. Unlike flawed earthly rulers who govern with partial understanding, His judgments are unsearchable and His ways inscrutable (Romans 11:33). He rules with a balance of power and grace, executing justice while extending mercy, embodying both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:5-6). His grace transforms His subjects, not through fear but through love, calling them into His kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13).
The majesty of Christ’s kingship is evident in His unparalleled stature. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, exalted above every name, and at His name, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). His glory fills the heavens and surpasses the grandeur of any earthly throne (Isaiah 6:1-3). Yet, His greatness does not alienate Him from His people; in His humility, He came not to be served but to serve, giving His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Application
Live as Loyal Subjects: As citizens of Christ’s eternal kingdom, our allegiance belongs first and foremost to Him. This entails living in obedience to His commands and reflecting His values of justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). Our actions, words, and decisions should bear witness to His reign in our lives, demonstrating His transformative grace to the world (Matthew 5:16).
Proclaim His Reign: As subjects of the King, we are His ambassadors, entrusted with the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). Share the good news of Christ’s sovereign and gracious rule with others, inviting them to bow before the King of kings and experience the life, joy, and redemption He offers.
Worship His Majesty: Christ’s kingship is proclaimed through the faithful preaching of Scripture, which reveals His glory, power, and grace. As the living Word, the Bible carries Christ’s authority, calling us to worship with awe and reverence. Sound preaching convicts, teaches, and transforms us, deepening our devotion and drawing us to submit to His sovereign rule. Through regular engagement with the Word, both in corporate and private worship, we reflect on His eternal reign, respond in praise, and allow His truth to fuel our faith, shaping and empowering our lives (Romans 10:14-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 96:6-9).
Trust in His Immutability: In a world marked by change and uncertainty, Christ’s unchanging reign provides an anchor for our souls (Hebrews 13:8). Trust in His eternal nature, knowing His promises are secure, His purposes unshakable, and His power unfailing. This assurance should foster peace in the face of life’s trials (Isaiah 26:3).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus Christ, the Cosmic King, reigns with unmatched authority, wisdom, and grace. His eternal dominion contrasts sharply with the fleeting power of earthly rulers, offering hope and assurance to His subjects. As loyal citizens of His imperishable kingdom, we are called to live in obedience, proclaim His sovereignty, worship His majesty, and trust in His unchanging reign. In a world where human power falters, Christ’s kingship stands as a beacon of eternal stability and redemptive love, inviting all to bow before the King of kings and partake in His everlasting kingdom.
Notes
[1] Percy Bysshe Shelley, Ozymandias, 1818 https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46565/ozymandias
