The Psalmist David wrote, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Ps. 30:5) This “night time” of sin, sorrow, and death began with the disobedience of our first parents. It has indeed been a night of weeping. The sorrow that has borne down upon the human race has been bitter, and many in their distress have wondered whether God has any pity.

But there is to be a morning of joy for the human race! That morning of joy will be ushered in the rising of “the Sun of righteousness,” who will have “healing in his wings.” (Mal. 4:2) Jesus is this glorious “Sun of righteousness.” The new day of blessing will be brought about through the establishment of his kingdom, which is a government of righteousness foretold by God’s holy prophets.—Acts 3:19-21

Associated with Jesus as rulers in his kingdom will be his faithful followers— those who have suffered and died with him. Jesus died the just for the unjust, and his followers voluntarily suffer and die unjustly with him, and will be exalted to the highest of all spirit realms of life. Jesus said to his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2,3) The Scriptures also declare that these will reign with Christ a thousand years, being brought forth from death in “the first resurrection.”—Rev. 20:6

Christ and his followers, a “little flock,” will be the invisible, spirit rulers of the world during the thousand years of his kingdom. (Luke 12:32) They will be represented here on earth by another group of God’s faithful servants, each of whom proved loyal to God under adversity during the ages preceding the coming of Jesus. These will be made “princes in all the earth.” (Ps. 45:16) This group will consist of the ancient and worthy servants of God of past ages, beginning with righteous Abel. It will include such outstanding figures as Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Daniel, and all God’s holy prophets.

These “princes in all the earth” will be awakened from death to human perfection, and for a thousand years will be the representatives of the divine Christ among men. What a wonderful governmental arrangement this will be! It will establish universal and lasting peace, which man in his selfishness has been unable to do. Christ, the divine Head of this government, is “The Prince of Peace,” and we are assured that “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”—Isa. 9:6,7