“The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as King forever. May the LORD give strength to His people! May the LORD bless His people with peace!“
(Psalm 29:10-11 ESV)
Monarchs are usually enthroned in elaborate coronation ceremonies. The subjects of the king or queen pledge their loyalty, and the monarch promises to rule justly and defend the kingdom, but all of the subject people probably know that the ruler will also take a share of their work and wealth. Our God and Creator did not need a coronation ceremony. He is, and has been, enthroned for all eternity, “enthroned over the flood,” as the Lord of creation. God is not a King who needs to take anything for Himself; all things already belong to Him. He is the Lord who gives Himself to His people.
In gracious, self-sacrificing love, the Lord of all stepped down from His heavenly throne to take on human flesh. Born among us to save us, our Lord Jesus Christ was lifted up on a cross. He was crowned, not with gold, but with thorns. His royal reign was announced with the sign posted on His cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The thorn-crowned King died as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Then, on the third day after His death, the King was raised to life, the Lord to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given. He ascended in exalted glory to heaven to reign at the Father’s right hand.
Baptized, we have been brought into the kingdom of our Lord “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14 ESV). Enthroned in heaven, our King is also enthroned in our hearts and lives. He is enthroned on our praise (see Psalm 22:3). He is enthroned in our lives as we call on Him in prayer, because He has promised, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV). He is enthroned in our joyful obedience as we honor and worship Him alone (see Matthew 4:10). He is enthroned in our lives when we trust in Him alone for our salvation, as Jesus said, “This is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40 ESV).
Those who believe in Christ give their earthly allegiance to different rulers in many nations, but the Lord is enthroned in the hearts of all who trust in Him. We will one day stand together before the heavenly throne and join the saints from every tribe and nation to worship our God and Savior. Earthly kings may be toppled from their thrones through death or defeat, but not our King. “The LORD sits enthroned as King forever!”
We Pray: My Lord and King, thank You for bringing me into Your kingdom. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on May 20, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights
Reflection Questions:
1. How is God both alike and different from earthly kings?
2. How has God brought peace into our lives, even though things may be very difficult at times?
3. Can you name some of the many ways we show our allegiance to God?