Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7, NIV

 

We were watching a rugby game recently when the commentators started discussing who the Man of the Match would be. I didn’t recognise the name of the person they expected to be chosen, however, when I saw his mud-smeared, blood-stained face as he received the award, I recognised him, and was immediately able to recall his spirited, self-sacrificing play on the field, which had earmarked him for it, and had no doubt gained the approval of many other spectators too.

 

There are often awards for people who care. We all love someone who steps up and makes a difference to others with the way they work; who gives of themselves without counting the cost, but, in all areas, people like this are often the exception.

 

At this time in history we see leaders come and go, so many of whom are corrupt and uncaring of the people that they’re responsible to; who destroy rather than build, causing great suffering. But everyone rejoices when a righteous person comes to power; someone who governs with integrity, who brings peace and stability. Such a person deals fairly with their people and ensures that their authority is upright and maintains justice and protection for all.

 

Then the poor are uplifted, the weak protected, and availability of employment ensured that will bring an assurance of well-being when no-one is homeless, or hungry, and everyone has access to medical care, with which they would be happy.

 

This will one day be the rule, not the exception, with Jesus’ eternal reign.

 

Greatness, everlasting peace, prophecy fulfilled; justice and righteousness established, eternally; everything will come together by God’s power and Jesus will reign forever. There is much to sing ‘Hallelujah’ about; how awesome our God is! His magnificence and power can never be overstated.

 

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’” (1 Chronicles 16:31) sings King David before the ark; John the Apostle, writing in the last book of the Bible, joins in: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

 

The passion and exuberance of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” provides worthy praise and a most fitting note of triumph to honour Jesus, the Giver of all grace, reigning in our world, as we end this series of our celebration of Grace.

“King of kings! And Lord of lords!

And He shall reign forever and ever.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

 

Prayer: Gracious King, we worship you for your righteousness, justice and grace. May your grace live in us as we “look to… (your) strength (and) seek (your) face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11) Amen.