"Pilate said unto him, Art thou a King then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice." John 18:37      

Jesus was on trial before Pilate. A just judge would have had little difficulty deciding what to do with the divine Prisoner, but Pilate hedged and bargained because he feebly sought justice while he tried at the same time to please Jesus' accusers. During the course of the trial he asked Jesus, "Art Thou a King, then?" Jesus left no doubt about His kingship, for He answered Pilate, "Thou sayest that I am a King."      

Jesus explained that He does not have an earthly kingdom, but one "not of this world." Of what kind was His kingdom? First of all, a Kingdom of Power, for Christ is LORD of heaven and earth, and He rules over all creatures. What a blessing to have a Ruler like Him, one who loves us for our benefit. He is LORD even of the mighty and arrogant rulers of this world, and in His own time He will set wrong things right.      

"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" He Himself says. Christ is King of His Church, also called the Kingdom of grace. As believers we re under the special care and rule of Christ, and His grace leads us safely through the storm and stress of our earthly life to eternal glory.  Christ is also King of heaven, known as the Kingdom of Glory, where the believers of all ages and the holy angels will praise their LORD and King eternally. (All this Christ meant when He answered Pilate,"Thou sayest that I am a King,"       

Christian friends,   It is a great, underserved blessing for us to live in Christ's kingdom, particularly in His Kingdoms of Grace and Glory.    

No fate, not luck, not chance at all Has placed us here below; It's only by God's perfect plan We work and live and grow.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Duties belong to us; results belong to God.