A Kingdom Forever

Historical evidence suggests that the reign of Sobhuza II was the longest of any monarch in history. He was the Paramount Chief (and later king) of Swaziland in Southern Africa for 82 years and 254 days. Sobhuza was born on July 22, 1899, and when he was only four months old, his father died. He was chosen as king, but his grandmother and an uncle led the Swazi nation until Sobhuza reached the age of maturity at 21. He ruled until August 1982.

Actually, the longest reign of any monarch in history—as recorded in Scripture—is that of Jesus Christ. “To the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom’ ” (Hebrews 1:8).

Just as earthly rulers who have fought to be crowned king, Christ’s kingdom was established through strife. The Bible explains, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed [Messiah]” (Psalm 2:2). Their efforts failed, and God established Christ on an eternal throne.

The angel Gabriel announced to Mary, “He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33). Earthly kings have come and gone, earthly kingdoms have risen and fallen, but Christ is King forever and His reign is eternal!

Clearly, the Son of God is a full member of the Godhead and shares in the divine rulership of the entire universe. Jesus does not hold a lower position than God the Father or the Holy Spirit but is co-equal in authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:28). Someday we will gather around the throne and sing, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).

Apply It:

Have you ever watched a sovereign being crowned?

Dig Deeper:

Daniel 7:13, 14; John 12:15; Revelation 14:14