Nougat 17

Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul’s instructions to his mentee Timothy are framed with a sense of urgency. It may seem strange given the rationale, as Jesus has not yet returned. I invite us to note that there are two rationales – Jesus’ sovereignty and judgement. Let’s reflect on each for a bit

Jesus as Sovereign

A sovereign is one who has supreme authority, usually over an empire and not just a single country. We recall that even at His crucifixion, Jesus was described as king, although some who acknowledged the sign thought it was mere mockery. But, if we see God’s presence and will being manifested at the Crucifixion, we could see the sign as God’s permission that Jesus is recognized as king.

Moreover in the Lord’s Prayer, taught by Jesus Himself, God’s sovereignty is a given. We say it by rote – ‘may Your Kingdom come (to effect) on earth’ – and some versions include ‘for the kingdom, glory and power belongs to You’. That’s a clear affirmation of Jesus’ sovereignty, by us God chasers.

Sovereignty is not only supreme rulership over a territory. It is about authority and, by extension power. Charles III waited in the wings during his mother’s reign, and as firstborn the assumption was that one day he’d be king. This was not a direct or easy path, despite the role being his since birth. In preparation for kingship, there were several preparatory aspects that were anticipated. And at points, his crown was threatened.

Although a somewhat weak analogy, we note that Jesus is king although awaiting His earthly coronation as head of Heaven and earth. It also requires alignment of several events that will usher in the moment. And like Charles III, many see the moment as long-awaited. However, Jesus already has the authority over His territory – on earth, under the earth and in Heaven (see Matthew 28:18; Psalm 146; Philippians 2:10-12; Deuteronomy 10 for proof). Of course, with authority (especially in such capacities) comes judicial responsibilities.

Jesus as Judge

We don’t always like to see Jesus as judge; not even as a righteous judge; except perhaps when the judgement is in our favor. But inasmuch as any nation state has a judicial system, with the head of state being the de facto Chief Justice, so it is with Heaven. There are laws, bylaws and other expectations of us as citizens – as in earthly nations. Again, this is what we frequently pray.

For the most part, we do not yet experience the full extent of Jesus’ judgement. However, in anticipation of life beyond this life (whether by death or being raptured), we have already begun showing our allegiance to Jesus our Sovereign, by our obedience to His will. This is partly what Paul is reminding Timothy. He strengthens his argument by noting that Jesus is not only sovereign of earth, Heaven and that which is under the earth (implied); but he extends the metaphor to note that Jesus’ judgement is over all – living and dead.

(For me, it’s a reminder that this is both for now and the future. And of course, if His Justice is for the present time, then it also includes the past. For the past is yesterday’s today.)

As we are not certain of the actual date of Jesus’ enthronement (i.e. Second Coming), it is safe to presume that we won’t all be dead on that day. Given the description of Christ’s return in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul makes this assumption also. This is part of the reason we continue to live in anticipation. That when the Day of Jesus’ return comes, we will be found faithful.

I pray, as Paul did for Timothy, that we all will be found faithful on that day

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May all we seek be found in Christ