I saw this image today and it made me think of the great contrast there is between a democracy and a kingdom. I grew up in the United Kingdom, where all my lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II has been reigning. Her rule is in stark contrast with that of former eras where the will of the Sovereign is law. In our day, the Queen has very little political power. The real power is wielded by her Government, with the Prime Minister and his party setting the political agenda.

I grew up in a Kingdom, but its present day operation is nothing like the kingdoms of old, and certainly nothing like the rule of the Kingdom of God. In the United Kingdom, the Queen reigns but does not rule. She sits on the throne and wears the crown of royalty, but she does not establish new laws in the land. In God’s kingdom, the King both rules and reigns!

In a democracy we have debates and political candidates running for the office of the Presidency. In contrast, in a Kingdom, the King is neither voted in or out of office. If He leaves His palace and tours His realm it is not to gain the popular vote, but to see the condition of His subjects. He is King because he is the son of a father who was also King. He does not abide by laws. He makes the laws by the words of His mouth.

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”” – Matthew 4:17

Notice that Jesus’ first words to the general public were not “Vote for me” but “Repent for God’s kingly rule is at hand!” These are the words of a King, striding through the realm of His rule.

Living in a kingdom is not necessarily good news. It could be terribly bad news. It all depends on the type of king that is in charge. If he is a despot the only way to avoid his rule is to leave the realm of his rule or to await his death, and to hope that his son is a better King than he is. To seek democracy in a kingdom (seeking to put another on the throne) is a treasonous act and once discovered means certain death.

“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” – Matthew 4:23

When the Bible talks about “the gospel (good news) of the Kingdom of God” it refers to the fact that in this kingdom a good King is reigning. The yoke He places on the shoulders of His subjects is light and easy and not a heavy burden. Yet it is a yoke nontheless, for to fail to work for the King’s purposes is rebellion.

People of the world, hear the good news. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6,7)

When it says “the zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this” it means that God is deeply earnest and will make sure this King ascends the tone and nothing will stand in His way. If God is that commited to seeing it happen, you and I had better believe that it will happen.

Of course, this promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and in His glorious ascension. Jesus now sits on the throne of this Universe and will one day come back to earth in power and glory. The book of Revelation describes His arrival in these terms:

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11-16)

Doesn’t sound like anyone I would wish to mess with!

The reference to Him having many diadems is the image of Him being the true King of all nations on earth. As He Himself said, “All authority is given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matt 28:18)

Every earthly ruler, from the Roman Ceasars who often persecuted the Church, to the Communist despots of Russia and China, to the Kings and Queens and Prime Ministers and Presidents of history – all who have enjoyed rulership on earth will one day acknowledge that their crown was owned by King Jesus. Every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the true Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Queen of England wears a borrowed crown. The true King of England is the Lord Jesus Christ and one day soon, He will return to earth and both she and all other rulers on earth will give an account of their rule to Him. He is the King of Kings, the Lord of lords.

Until then, without His visible rule, democracy is by far the best political environment. As Winston Churchill remarked, “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Yet, better to have only a few years of a bad ruler so we can vote him out, than to be under the tyranny of an evil King for an entire generation.

In the kingdom of God, Jesus the King has won the hearts of His people. He is our beloved King. His yoke is easy, His burden is light.

“For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”” – Ecclesiastes 8:4

What a great King He is!