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Where Does Jesus Reign?
Jesus is the king of kings (Revelation 19:16). Where does He reign?
At God’s Right Hand
Psalm 110 is the most frequently quoted prophecy of Jesus. It begins, “The Lord says to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” Jesus was to reign at God’s right hand.
In the inaugural gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter cited this passage and said, “Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear” (Acts 2:33). “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified” (v. 36). Hebrews 8:1 affirms that Jesus “has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” He is reigning there now!
On the Throne of David
Another prophecy about Jesus’ reign is God’s promise to David. “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-13). “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever; your throne shall be established forever” (v. 16).
This promise was partially fulfilled in Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:9-11). The Bible variously says He sat on his throne (1 Kings 1:47), on David’s throne (1 Kings 2:12), and on God’s throne (1 Chronicles 29:23. Throne simply suggests a position of rule. God was always Israel’s ruler. For a time He allowed others to occupy that position on His behalf. It was “the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel” (1 Chronicles 28:5).
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise to David. He is David’s descendant (Romans 1:3), who was to be given the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32). He now occupies that place, sitting on David’s throne (Acts 2:30-33), which is also His throne and the Father’s throne (Revelation 3:21). At the end, He will return all rule to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24).
In Hearts
There is one more place Jesus wants to reign: in your heart. “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts . . .” (1 Peter 3:15). Does He reign there?
