Revelation 21:24 (ESV) — By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

King Charles III was coronated as king of Great Britain in May of 2023. This ceremony marks the official mantle of kingship on the individual set to reign over the kingdom. The fascinating thing about this ceremony is its very clear imagery and messaging that the one being anointed as king is someone under a greater King. The liturgy of the coronation acknowledges that Jesus is the King of kings in this world, not just in a spiritual sense, but in every sense.

Our passage today reminds us of this truth and points us to the day in which all will acknowledge it, even the kings of earth. We read in Revelation 21:24, “By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.”

The context of this passage is after the return of Jesus back to the earth. The New Heavens and New Earth are established. Jesus is the light of the city and the lamp. No sun is needed to light it. We then read that by its light, that is the light of Christ, the nations walk. And kings of the earth bring their glory into it.

Notice that there are still such things as nations. The end of all things will not bring the end of nations. Rather, we read that the nations will be redeemed under the rule of Christ. The kings of the earth still exist, but they will be kings that acknowledge the reign of Christ above all. Those kings will march into the New Jerusalem with their glory to pay homage to the King of Glory—Christ. 

Jesus is the world’s true king. He isn’t simply a spiritual king or king of those who acknowledge Him. He is the King. Period. Full stop. The question is not whether He is king, but whether people are bowing to Him as king.

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If so, they are promised eternal life with Him. If not, they are warned that judgment awaits them and eternal separation. Everything rises and falls with what you’ve done with Jesus. Submit to the King and live! He is gracious to sinners who confess their rebellion against Him and repent. He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 

May the church today be better at heralding the truth. Jesus is King of the world. He rules and reigns over all things. This isn’t an opinion. It’s objective reality. The role of the evangelist is not to ask people to accept Jesus into their hearts, but to call them to bow their knee to Him in allegiance. 

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is understanding Jesus’ kingship so important to us?
- What are the implications to the world in recognizing Jesus as the rightful king?
- How should your life be lived in light of today’s devotional?

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