What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords?

The proud monarch of the west and the tyrant of the east each have their Master. Christ is "higher than the kings of the earth." The kingdoms of the world are His by right and title, and everyone must bow before Him. He is "Lord of lords and King of kings" — Lord of all who exercise authority, and King of all who reign. He has not yet put out His power. His sovereign rights are still held back. But they will be asserted when the Father's time has come, and public universal government will pass into His hands.

There we see the Sovereign appointed by God, coming out in righteousness to judge and make war. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords." In 1 Timothy 6:15-16 this is the title of Him who dwells in unapproachable light, and of whom the incarnate Son is the display to men. So what the Spirit says through Paul about the eternal God, the Spirit says through John about Jesus.

Lastly, His name, "King of kings and Lord of lords," is written on His robe; that is, on the outside, where every eye can see it. It is also on His thigh — inside, in the place of His hidden strength. It is hardly an eternal title like the others, for it could hardly be taken up until kings and lords came into existence as created by Him. Still, it will be of first importance at His glorious appearing. Kings are earthly rulers, while "lords," we think, would cover heavenly as well as earthly dignitaries.

The war has not actually begun yet, but it is anticipated. Its outcome is in no way doubtful. "The Lamb will conquer them." Victory is certain before the fight is even entered, for the mighty Conqueror is King of all who reign, and Lord of all who exercise authority. He is supreme. What madness and folly for men and governments to enter the contest against God's Lamb, who will publicly wield the authority of Jehovah's throne! How moving is the blessed pairing of the Lamb with the mighty King — tenderness and power together.

It will be the moment of glory and display. He had refused to be made king by men, presented Himself to Jerusalem in meekness, and had been rejected shortly afterwards. But at His appearing He will be universally recognised, "glorified" and "admired." The One who once bore the crown of thorns will then wear "many diadems," the "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

As the One who is to reign, and so represent God in supreme authority, our Lord Jesus Christ is KING. He will be above all kings, and over all nations, when He comes to reign, for He is "the PRINCE of the kings of the earth." He is never spoken of as the King of the assembly. He who is the "KING of kings" is its Head. He is also LORD as well as King. As such all dominion is His, as well as the kingdom.

God has declared that all will own Him Lord — angels, men, and demons — and you may be sure that "all" includes you. The demons never owned Him Lord when He was on earth, but the day will come when God will make them own Him Lord. And for you, my reader, when is your day of owning Him Lord to be? Now, while He is waiting for you in patient grace, or in the day of His power, when you must bow?