When many from my country hear the word “king,” one or two images typically come to mind:

The first is that of a distant tyrant across the ocean who mistreats the people and taxes their tea. The second image is that of a now-meaningless figurehead; a historical office held over from the past that no longer wields any real power.

But when we speak of Jesus Christ as our King, we are not alluding to either a tyrant or a figurehead—or even a benevolent king who rules for a season. We are instead speaking of a perfect, righteous, and loving King; one who is absolutely sovereign in His authority and eternal in His reign.