By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

Christ is the reigning Prince with supreme majesty, ordained by God the Father. He wants to reign without a rival in every believer’s heart, family and His Church. He does not want Satan, society, self, opinions, unbelievers and backsliders to reign in His Church. Therefore, we must give Him the liberty to reign over us in all things. God had proclaimed to “raise them (the children of Israel) up a Prophet… and will put (His) words in his mouth….” Those who reject Christ’s words are false prophets, preachers and pastors.

As believers, God wants us to accept, believe, surrender and submit to Christ and have His word written in our hearts. If we confirm and affirm His word, we shall have the blessedness of eternal life. Christ is the “Prince of Peace.” He brings us inner peace and reconciles us to God through His crucifixion. Now being justified by faith, we have peace with God. He unites Jews and Gentiles, opposing people, religions and tribes of the world. He would also bring peace when He sets up His millennial reign.

God commands that we hear Him “in all things whatsoever he shall say unto (us).” We are not to have another doctrine, idea, opinion or message contrary to the word of Christ. Refusal to obey Him will bring judgment. “And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.”

In Christ’s day, religious leaders refused to acknowledge Him, despite His teachings and miracles. They rejected the prophesied Prophet, blocked their minds, closed their ears and blindfolded themselves “lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted….”

The Pharisees refused to accept the fact that Christ had healed the man who was born blind. Therefore, they interrogated his parents about how he was healed, but they could not confess it openly because of fear of being thrown out of the synagogue. As believers, Christ has given us gifts, talents and commission to preach repentance that all may be saved.

However, many disobeyed due to fear. If we fail to occupy till He comes, we will be disobeying the words of Christ. Those who refuse Christ’s reign in their hearts are His enemies and will eventually face judgment on the final day.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Redeeming Priest, faithful and final Mediator. He is the priest who does the Father’s will and desires. “And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind….” Ordained by the Father, Christ makes “reconciliation” for everyone. As the “High Priest” of our profession,
He forgives our sins through the power of His shed blood, which serves as our propitiation before God.

Professing Christ as Lord demands that we yield our hearts and lives to His authority, recognising Him as our Sovereign ruler and controller. When temptation arises to prioritise our will over the Scripture and Christ’s words, we must resist it and steadfastly “hold fast (to) our profession.” He became “the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him,” not for those who merely pay lip service, follow their own desires, or elevate their opinions above His message. He is at the right hand of God, the heavenly Father, making intercession for us.

Having been sacrificed for us, Christ purges, purifies and perfects us. As Prophet, He makes prophets of us, as Prince, He makes princes of us and as high Priest, He makes priests out of us. He has transformed our lives, giving us a new and eternal life. As new creatures, He sets a standard for our living. He heals our souls, mends our broken hearts and restores our bodies, empowering us to live a righteous life.

Now, all that remains is for us to surrender and submit to Christ, our Prophet, Prince and Priest, who reveals, reigns and redeems. This surrender should be evident in the way we live, which in turn, will draw others into the Kingdom.

• Further reading (King James Version): Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19. Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19; Acts 3:22,23,26; Hebrews 1:1,2; 2:1-4; John 8:24,28,29; 12:49,50; 4:25,26. Deuteronomy 18:18,19; Psalm 2:6-8,12; Isaiah 9:6,7; Acts 3:22,23; Matthew 13:13-15. John 8:42-44; John 9:27,28; Luke 19:12-14,27. 1 Samuel 2:35; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 2:17; 3:1-6; 4:14; 5:4-6,9; 6:18-20; 7:25,26; 13:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9,21,24.