Historical Church Writings #17: C.F.W. Walther on Christ alone having power in the kingdom

Today is Historical Church Writing Thursday. Each Thursday will feature the writings of the church fathers, reformation fathers or other church writings. Today's Historical Church Writing is from C.F.W. Walther:

     Who, then, has the power in the kingdom? It is Jesus Christ alone. He declares this of Himself. He says: "I am a King." I am the  good Shepherd." "One is your Master, even Christ." The apostle calls Him "the Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." By which means Christ exercises the power in His church, though He has withdrawn His visible presence from it and sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, is clearly shown by the last declaration, with which He parted from His disciples: "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Hence His Word, accompanied and sealed by the holy Sacraments, is the means whereby Christ exercises power in His kingdom. This is the "right scepter" with which He rules His people, this is the "rod and staff" with which He feeds His flock.

     --  C.F.W. Walther

Jesu Juva,
Soli Deo Gloria