Christ reigns in His Church as a shepherd-king. His authority is like that of a wise and tender shepherd over a loving and dependent flock. We obey Him not out of compulsion, but willingly, as well-cared-for sheep responding joyfully to their beloved Shepherd's familiar voice. His rule is grounded in love and goodness.

His reign is active. Scripture says, "He shall stand and feed." Christ, the Church's head, is always working to provide for us. He doesn't sit idly on His throne; He actively governs and provides. "Feed," in its original sense, means to do all a shepherd does: to guide, watch, preserve, restore, and tend, as well as nourish. His reign is continual. He stands and feeds always, not just occasionally or in bouts of revival. His eyes never sleep, His hands never rest, His heart constantly beats with love, and His shoulders never tire of carrying our burdens.

His reign is powerfully effective. "He shall feed in the strength of Jehovah." Where Christ is, there is God, and whatever Christ does is the work of the Most High. It's a joyful truth that the one representing us is none other than God Himself, before whom every knee will bow. We are blessed to belong to such a Shepherd, whose humanity is with us and whose divinity protects us. Let's worship and bow down as His flock.