FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

to appear immediately” (Luke 19:11), Jesus knew there would be deliberate delay between His two appearances on earth, a time of extended grace in which as many as possible could be drawn into that kingdom. That said, He begins the story by introduc- ing us to the King , “a certain nobleman” (Luke 19:12, KJV). By referring to a man of earthly distinction, Jesus intro- duces Himself into the story.Whereas countless monarchs have sat upon thrones throughout time, none could ever compare to the eternal One, King Jesus. As the Bible says, “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe” (Deuteronomy 10:17). Paul writes, “Jesus Christ . . . is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1Timothy 6:15). In fact, when He comes again, on Jesus’ thigh and robe will be written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Reve- lation 19:16). Charles Colson, counsel to the president during the Nixon administration, said he never entered the Oval Office without a sense of awe.Whether it was the man or the office, Nixon’s “hatchet man,” as he was known, admitted his blind obedience in orchestrating theWatergate scandal.Years lat- er, returning to theWhite House for the first time as a born again believer, Colson confessed this former feeling was gone, testifying he had switched his allegiance to the ultimate eternal Commander in Chief. Just because we must submit to the authority of our earthly leaders (1 Peter 2:13) doesn’t mean we should worship them. Such allegiance is reserved for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Like God said in the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). After introducing this man of distinction, Jesus speaks of a journey, saying, “A nobleman went to a distant country . . .”

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