“But of the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.’” — Hebrews 1:8
Jesus the Forever King
Jesus is the forever King, yet surrendering control to him can be difficult in a culture that celebrates personal independence and self-determination.
William Ernest Henley’s famous poem Invictus closes with the lines, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Though written in 1875, the couplet could serve as a rallying cry for the contemporary Western world. Freedom is often interpreted as doing whatever we please, while personal self-definition is treated as an almost sacred right.
The desire to establish ourselves as our own authority reflects humanity’s sinful nature. Adam and Eve demonstrated this desire when they were tempted to “be like God” in Genesis 3:1-6.
Yielding Control to Jesus the Forever King
I feel this pull toward independence in my own life. I do not like being told what to do, how to spend my money, or how to use my time. I want to be free to make my own decisions.
However, today’s verse proclaims that Jesus is the forever King. His throne is permanent, his authority is universal, and his kingdom is governed with righteousness. The world belongs to him whether people recognize his authority or not.
Those who do not follow Jesus may understandably disregard his commands. Christians, however, are called to submit to Christ and obey him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Living Under the Authority of the Eternal King
The ministry I serve with, Cru, invites college students to make a countercultural commitment to “go, do, say, and give” whatever God asks of them.
This commitment means yielding our careers, finances, relationships, time, plans, and possessions to the kingly authority of Christ. Such surrender can feel frightening because it requires us to release the illusion that we are fully in control.
Submitting to Jesus is not merely a one-time decision. It is a daily and willing choice to trust that his wisdom is greater than ours and that his commands are ultimately for our good.
The autonomy of self promises freedom, peace, purpose, and protection, but it cannot reliably provide them. When we acknowledge that Jesus is the forever King and live under his loving authority, we discover the peace and purpose that self-rule can never produce.
A Prayer to Jesus the Forever King
Father, thank you that you have set your Son on a permanent and universal throne. I confess my constant inclination to take control of my own life and the actions through which I attempt to usurp your lordship over me. By the power of your Spirit, help me yield every part of my life to Jesus. Teach me to trust his authority and experience the peace, purpose, and joy of living in your good Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
By Jason Weimer
Used by Permission
