The Reformers laid particular emphasis on the idea of Christ as king.  Any true gospel church is a "King's Church" whether or not it bears that name!

When we look at the incarnation, crucifixion, death and burial of the Lord, we have before us the humiliation of Christ.  Then we turn to the resurrection, ascension and enthronement.  These constitute Christ's exaltation. Christ's reign as heavenly king marks the conclusion and highest point of His exaltation.  We now come to this high point.

Christ's kingdom is more specific than God's sovereignty.  As God, Christ is the Lord of creation and of providence.  But more than that, the spirit beings know that something happened in history.  At the cross Satan and his hosts were defeated and Christ took His place at the right hand of the throne of God.  The angels worship the Lamb, but the demons live in denial. And as far as men are concerned: we must distinguish between today and tomorrow.  There are those who bow to the King today.  Tomorrow everyone will bow.  Do you bow to Christ the King today?

TODAY He is SEATED in glory.  From heaven where He is seated He gives gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8).  After a battle in ancient times the victorious king would return to his city with bounty which he would distribute to his subjects.  Having won the victory at the cross, Christ pours out all the benefits of the cross - grace!  He gives among other things what we call "gifts" to the church.  Even more specifically He gives various ministries of the word (Ephesians 4:11).  Receive the ministry of the word as the bounty distributed generously to you.

TOMORROW He will COME in glory.  His second coming will be so different from the first.  Those who do not bow to Christ now will do so in that awful day (Phil 2:9-10).  Every wrong will be righted.  It ought to be the most wonderful day imaginable.  Yet it will be an awful day for those who wait until then to bow (Revelation 6:15-16).