This time of year, Handel’s Messiah is very popular, and of course one of the most famous songs is the Hallelujah Chorus.
One of the lines comes directly from this chapter in verse 15.
The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.
So often, when we think of Jesus at Christmas time, we think of the baby in the manger. But when he returns, he won’t be that baby in the manger. Instead he will come back as king.
And unfortunately, as was the case of the people who kill the witnesses at the beginning of this chapter, and of the nations that rage against God at the end of it, many will not welcome their king.
But when Jesus comes, he will reign, and those who choose to continue in their rebellion will be judged.
So many people want peace on earth. But they refuse to submit to the Prince of Peace.
And so the old carol challenges us:
Joy to the world!
The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king!
Let every heart prepare him room.
How about you?
Will your prepare room for him in your heart?
Or will you seek to “tear off his chains, and throw his ropes off of you”? (Psalm 2:3)
Do you see your King with eyes of love and adoration?
Or with hatred and rebellion?
Moment to moment 