As Pentecostals, we believe in the sovereignty of God and that He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords. But throughout history, God has also anointed and appointed earthly kings to carry out His will on earth. In the O.T. we see how God anointed David as king over Israel and how he was later succeeded by his son Solomon.
These kings were not perfect but they were chosen by God to fulfil His purposes.
One of the most incredible Biblical prophecies speaks about king Cyrus 150 years before He came to power (In the lively oracles of God) Isaiah 45:1 Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed:
Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
What’s important to understand however, is that the reason we know Cyrus’ name is so we would see how great our God is. Cyrus was not a follower of the God of the Bible, instead, he was a pagan king used by God to help His people.
Just as God had used pagan kings from the Chaldeans, Assyrians and Babylonians to discipline and correct His people when they refused to repent of idolatry. He used a pagan king to help them return to their promised land and begin to rebuild Jerusalem.
Ezra 1:1-4 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: 2 “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3Whoever is among you of all His people, may his God be with him and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—He is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”
Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther are the historical books that record the lives of the Jews during this time of restoration, rebuilding, and returning to the worship of the One, True God.
In the N.T. we see how Jesus was born as the King of the Jews and how He was later crowned with thorns and crucified for our sins. But after His resurrection, He was exalted to the right hand of the Father and given all authority in heaven and on earth.
At Pentecost, we see how Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples and how they were empowered to go and preach the gospel to all nations. This was the coronation of the Church, the body of Christ, as the instrument through which God would carry out His plan of redemption.
But what does all of this mean for us today? It means that we, as believers, are also called to be kings and priests in the kingdom of God.
We have been anointed by Holy Spirit to carry out God’s will on earth and to proclaim His goodness and mercy to all people.
Just as earthly kings are crowned with a crown and sceptre, we too have been given symbols of our authority as believers.
In Revelation 3:21, Jesus says, The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
So let us live as kings and queens, ruling and reigning with Christ in the heavenly places. Let us use our authority to bring healing, deliverance, and salvation to those around us.
And let us always remember that our true coronation will be when we stand before the throne of God and hear Him say, Matthew 25:21 Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’