No Kings? There’s Still One Worth Following

Kathryn Baker
3 days ago
4 min read

As the world watches leaders rise and fall, and as protests erupt in the streets against kings, dictators, and tyrants, many are left asking: Who can we trust to rule with justice and compassion? Our hearts long for righteous leadership—a longing echoed in the words of Proverbs 29:2:

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

Isn’t this the reality we see all around us? When justice is absent, when corruption reigns, when the voices of the hurting are ignored or silenced, mourning and unrest flood our communities and even our homes. But the Word of God points to a deeper truth: true peace and joy come not from earthly rulers, but from the Righteous Ruler—Jesus, the King of Kings.

The Righteous Ruler: What Does Jesus Stand For?

Jesus, our King, stands for everything our hearts crave in a leader—righteousness, justice, compassion, mercy, and truth.

He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
He is the Prince of Peace, bringing hope and healing where there is chaos (Isaiah 9:6).
He is the embodiment of justice: “He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness” (Psalm 96:13).
He is Love itself (1 John 4:8).
He is faithful and true (Revelation 19:11).

Where men fail, Jesus remains unchanging and trustworthy. He rules with righteousness—not for personal gain, but for the good of those He loves. When righteousness rules, the people truly rejoice.

Your Power to Choose: Who Will Rule Your Life?

In the midst of political chaos, military deployments, injustice, and suffering, it is easy to feel powerless. The headlines can be overwhelming:

The military called to police our streets
Free speech being silenced
Veterans forgotten
Drug epidemics rising
Children trafficked and abused
Families torn apart by deportation

We may not control the decisions of nations or the actions of those in government. But there is one domain where our authority remains unchallenged: our own hearts and lives. The real issue is not which side of the political spectrum we stand on—but who rules our hearts?

The Bible is clear:

“Choose this day whom you will serve...” (Joshua 24:15). Our will, in essence, is our vote, our choice. Every day, we have the power to choose who will rule our lives. Will we allow fear, anger, or bitterness to dictate our actions? Or will we submit our hearts to the loving, righteous reign of Jesus?

Why Welcome the Rule of Christ?

Jesus is not a dictator, not a tyrant, not an oppressor. He is the King who serves, the Lord who saves.

He invites us into His Kingdom, not by force, but by love and free will (Revelation 3:20).
He offers rest for your soul: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
He gives true freedom: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

No matter what is happening in the world, we are not powerless. We have the authority to invite the reign of Jesus—the Righteous Ruler—into our lives. When we do, we step into the unshakeable Kingdom of God.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)

How to Stay Focused on the Kingdom of God

So much is happening. The world feels unstable. But we can stay anchored in Christ:

Daily Surrender: Each morning, we can pray: “Jesus, reign in my heart today. Let Your will be done in me.”
Stay in the Word: Meditate on scriptures about God’s sovereignty, His love, and the security you have in His Kingdom (see Psalm 46, Colossians 1:13, John 16:33).
Guard Our Minds: Refuse to let fear, hate, or despair take root. Replace anxious thoughts with God’s promises (Philippians 4:6-8).
Live Righteously: Let our actions reflect the character of our King—love, mercy, justice, and truth (Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:16).
Stay in the Spirit: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill us and guide our every decision (Galatians 5:16-25).
Pray for Leaders: Even as we grieve injustice, pray for God’s righteousness to prevail in our land (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Invitation: Make Jesus Your King Today

You may feel powerless over the chaos in the world, but you hold the greatest power of all—the power to choose who rules your heart. Don’t reject the loving rulership of Jesus as you reject the tyranny of this world. Instead, welcome the King who reigns in righteousness, who brings peace, and who alone can heal our brokenness.

If you want to know Jesus, the Righteous King, I invite you to pray: Lord Jesus, I recognize that I need You as my King. I surrender my life to Your righteous rule. Forgive my sins, fill me with Your Spirit, and help me to live as a citizen of Your Kingdom. I choose You, today and forever. Amen.

Scriptures for Further Reflection

Proverbs 29:2
Joshua 24:15
Revelation 19:16
John 10:11
Isaiah 9:6-7
Psalm 46:1-2
Romans 14:17
Colossians 1:13
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Matthew 11:28-30

Let’s stand together in the Kingdom of God, where Christ is King. Let Him reign in our hearts, no matter what storms rage outside. When righteousness rules, the people rejoice. Choose Jesus. Choose His Kingdom. Choose LIFE.

If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who needs hope today. Let’s build a community that stands firm in the love and reign of our true King!

Coach

Kathryn