In heaven, the form of government in which we shall live eternally will not be a democracy, socialism, a Communist regime, or that of a tyrannical dictator. The kingdom of heaven is a blend of a monarchy and a benevolent dictatorship. Jesus is King, that is, a Monarch, and He is a benevolent and sovereign Lord. We who believe in King Jesus will spend eternity with a blessed Ruler (1 Tm 6:15) Who loves us beyond measure.
Even those who have lived in a worldly monarchy or benevolent dictatorship will hardly be able to relate to the heavenly kingdom, for no one has even begun to imagine what our Ruler has in store for us (1 Cor 2:9). Earthly kings might be so lavish as to throw a seven-day party (Est 1:5); King Jesus gives an eternal wedding feast (Rv 19:9). Earthly rulers put to death those who try to kill them (Est A:13-14); Lord Jesus dies for us as we kill Him (Catechism, 598). Only a few people are allowed access to earthly rulers; everyone has access to King Jesus (Eph 2:18; Mt 11:28; Jn 6:37). Earthly rulers lord their authority over their subjects (Mt 20:25); Lord Jesus comes to serve His subjects and lay down His life out of love for us (Mt 20:28; Lk 22:27; Jn 10:15; 13:5).
Many in our secular world choose to serve gods of sex, money, power, greed, ambition, status, or wanton pleasure-seeking. Others are imprisoned under the rule of the harsh dictatorship of addiction, compulsion, abuse. "Decide today whom you will serve" (Jos 24:15). Give your life to Jesus, your King and Lord.
| PRAYER: | Christ the King, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt 6:10). |
| PROMISE: | "Anyone committed to the truth hears My voice." –Jn 18:37 |
| PRAISE: | "Viva Christo Rey!" Praised be Christ the King, both now and forever. Amen. Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College