HEBREWS 1:8

“But regarding the Son He says, ‘YOUR THRONE, GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE SCEPTER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.’”

Every play or movie I’ve seen that had a king in it included a scepter. That scepter was either made of gold or ivory or wood, but it was always decorative. The scepter is a symbol of authority. He who wields it is in charge. We don’t see that a lot nowadays, but back in the day when kings ruled the earth, the scepter was a fixture in the hands of those kings. People knew what it meant.

Our Old Testament quotation in today’s verse is from Psalm 45:6. This comes from a Psalm written by the sons of Korah and is considered a song celebrating the King’s marriage. This Psalm is considered a Messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus. Take a few minutes and read the entire Psalm. It’s only seventeen verses. Reading any verse in context gives it a fuller meaning. Our writer in Hebrews applies this verse to our Lord Jesus. He declares Him as the supreme ruler with His scepter in His hand.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

A Command to Obey is implied here since we are talking about Jesus holding His scepter. We are to obey Him because He is the authority in our lives. We obey because we know He rules righteously. We obey because His kingdom is forever. The verse from Psalms says so. Forever is a long time. There are no term limits to Christ’s rule. It is for eternity. Thus, we obey.

There is also a Promise to claim. If Jesus is King (and He is), and if He will rule forever (and He will), we are given a promise that we too will live with Him forever. We are told in Romans 8:17a, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,…” We will live forever in His kingdom as joint heirs of all that is His. Wow! We don’t deserve it, but we are given it. That is quite a promise, isn’t it?

I have this picture in my head of Jesus sitting on His throne holding that scepter given to Him by His Father. As we approach Him, He extends the scepter for us to touch. This is His offer of grace and mercy. We do not need to fear His wrath because we are His children. When we come to Him in submission and humility, He receives us and loves on us. That’s my King. That’s my Savior. I revere Him, but I do not fear Him. Approach Him today and touch His scepter of righteousness.

You are King of all, dear Lord. Thank You for accepting me into Your kingdom.