Jesus Christ …the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. Rev. 1:5
On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Rev. 19:16
Lord Jesus, it’s Memorial Day in the USA—the day we set aside to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and peace. We are grateful for each of them.
In a profound way, these passages from the Apostle John remind us that you, Jesus, are the quintessential Serviceman—the One who gave his life to win our eternal freedom and cosmic peace. Only you can put an end to all wars and strife, meanness and madness, clenched fists and nuclear arms. Soon and very soon, we pray.
Having crushed the prince of darkness on the cross, you are, as John wrote, “the firstborn from the dead”—whose resurrection secured ours. You are the “faithful witness”—the “Yes” to every promise God has made, and his final Word to us. You “love us” us as none other, and have “freed us from our sins” by the great sacrifice of your life. Hallelujah!
Only you, Jesus, are worthy of the title, “King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” You are the ruler of the kings of the earth—all of them. Faith not fear, peace not worry, international mission not ingrown nationalism, are the order of this day.
Your kingdom has already come in part and will come in fullness at your return. Hasten that Day, Lord Jesus, hasten it. Until then, may your peace rule in our hearts more and more (Col. 3:15). So very Amen we pray, in your triumphant and exalted name.
