Comparing Christ to Kings

21 APRIL

Behold, the days to come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jeremiah 23:5

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Revelation 5

Jeremiah's comparison of Christ to earthly kings should be deemed proper, for God speaks to us according to the measure of our capacities. He cannot fully express what Christ is in a few words. Still, we must bear in mind that we must rise above our consideration of earthly kings to Christ; for though He is compared to them, He is not limited by that comparison. After contemplating what our minds can comprehend of Christ, we must ascend farther and much higher than this comparison.

The difference between the righteousness of Christ and the righteousness of kings must be noted. Those who rule well can administer righteousness and judgment in no other way than being careful to render to each person his due by checking the audacity of the wicked and by defending the good and the innocent. We can expect no more than this from earthly kings.

Christ is far different, for He is not only wise in knowing what is right and best, but He also endues His own people with wisdom and knowledge. He executes both judgment and righteousness because He defends the innocent, aids those who are oppressed, gives help to the miserable, and restrains the wicked. But He also executes righteousness, because He regenerates us by His Spirit. And He executes judgment because He bridles, as it were, the devil.

We can now understand how we must mark the transcendence of Christ over earthly kings. We see the analogy, for there is some likeness and some difference. The difference between Christ and other kings is very great, yet they are alike in some things, so earthly kings are cited to us as figures and types of Christ.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: Consider the greatest rulers who ever existed. Regardless of their wisdom, their glory, their fame, or their power, Christ far exceeds them all. He has no equal, for He is the King of kings. In what ways does He execute righteousness and judgment in your life?

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke