September 22 | Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Galatians 1

Royal Return

Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. Isaiah 45:23

With a worldwide audience estimated in the billions, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was possibly the most watched broadcast in history. One million people lined London’s streets on that day, and 250,000 queued for hours that week to see the Queen’s coffin. A historic five hundred kings, queens, presidents and other heads of state came to pay tribute to a woman known for her strength and character.

As the world turned its gaze to the Queen’s funeral, my thoughts turned to another event—a royal return. A day is coming, we’re told, when the nations will gather to recognise a far greater Monarch (Isaiah 45:20-22). A leader of strength and character (v. 24), before Him “every knee will bow” and by Him “every tongue will swear” (v. 23), including the world’s leaders, who’ll pay Him tribute and lead their nations to walk in His light ( Revelation 21:24, 26). Not all will welcome this Monarch’s arrival, but those who do will enjoy His reign forever (Isaiah 45:24-25).

Just as the world gathered to watch a queen leave, one day it will see its ultimate King return. What a day that will be—when one and all, in heaven and on earth, bow to Jesus Christ and recognise Him as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

By Sheridan Voysey

REFLECT & PRAY

Why do you think Queen Elizabeth II was honoured so much? What should it look like to follow Jesus as King today?

Dear Jesus, I bow to You today, honouring You as the ultimate King of the world and rightful Ruler of my life.

For further reflection, read What Difference Does Jesus’ Return Make to Today?

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

In Isaiah 45:21-22, we read, “There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; . . . Turn to me and be saved, . . . for I am God, and there is no other.” God is righteous (just) and merciful (He saves). Through Jesus’ death, justice and mercy meet. He declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Paul affirmed, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24 ). We’re reconciled to God only through faith in Christ’s payment for our sins on the cross. There’s nothing we can do to earn salvation: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5).

Alyson Kieda

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