“The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1)
Our God reigns in majesty, clothed in light and splendour beyond all comprehension. The psalmist calls us to lift our hearts in praise and adoration, for the Lord is the Most High over all the earth. In Orthodox hymnography, we repeatedly proclaim: “The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty!” (Psalm 93:1) This declaration is not mere poetry but a theological truth—God’s dominion is absolute, His authority unshakable, and His providence governs all things visible and invisible.
In a world marred by instability and uncertainty, we take refuge in the knowledge that the Lord reigns. He is not a distant ruler, indifferent to our struggles, but the loving King who knows each of us by name. As Christ reveals in the Gospel: “Even the hairs of your head are all counted.” (Matthew 10:30) This same King who upholds the cosmos desires to dwell within us, guiding our steps as a loving Shepherd.
The psalmist states that God’s throne is established on righteousness and justice (Psalm 97:2). These are not abstract qualities but living realities reflected in the Incarnate Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to fulfil all righteousness. In the Orthodox spiritual life, we are called to mirror this divine righteousness, striving for purity of heart and justice in our dealings with others. As St. John Chrysostom exhorts us: “Do you wish to honour the body of Christ? Do not allow it to be scorned in its members, that is, in the poor who lack clothing to cover themselves.” Our faith must be lived out through love and action, bringing the light of Christ into the darkness of the world.
While the Lord is enthroned in glory, He is also near to those who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). Christians must approach God in awe and reverence, yet with the confidence of a beloved child. Through prayer, the Holy Mysteries, and a life of repentance, we enter into communion with our King. As we bow before His majesty, we also experience His mercy, for “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 145:8)
When trials arise, when temptations cloud our vision, and when the world lures us away from the narrow path, we must remember: the Lord is King! His rule is eternal, and His faithfulness endures from generation to generation. May each of us, therefore, proclaim His dominion not only with our lips but through our very lives. By our love, our humility, and our unwavering trust in Him, may we become living icons of His Kingdom, shining as beacons of hope in a world longing for His reign.
“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
May God bless you +
Fr. Charles
13 August 2023
