The Hope of David

12/6- The Hope of David- “I will establish his kingdom forever”  2 Samuel 7:11-16

John 18:33- Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”  …Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world.” 

Thoughts:  Jesus is the King.  What this means is he rules over us, he sees we are provided for, and protects us from evil (WSC Q. 26).  Death and evil tried to conquer him by killing him, but instead his death allowed his resurrection and ascension to the throne.  In his book, “Flawed Church, Faithful God” Presbyterian theologian Joseph Small points out that the ascension of Jesus is one of the most underrated events in the New Testament.  It is his ascension that allows Jesus to not just be in one place.  It is the ascension that allows Jesus to have back the power He gave up when He came to earth.  It is the ascension that enables Jesus to be not just king of Israel, but King of Kings over all the earth.  God establishes the kingdom of David by allowing Jesus to be born of the line of David (see Matthew’s genealogy and also Luke’s).  Jesus was the last of the governing Davidic line and the only one needed- for He rules forever and ever in heaven.  Why?  In 70 AD Titus Flavius, the Roman emperor, tried to exterminate the Jews.  He destroyed the Temple- tearing it down block by block.  He kicked the Jews out of the country and destroyed all known copies of the genealogies, knowing they were important for the carrying on of the lineage of David.  While some claim to be descended from David there was no written proof, and the memory was to be snuffed out.  But Jesus lives to reign, to rule, to help, to protect, to be our King of Kings. 

Prayer: Lord, rule in my heart this advent season. Let me acknowledge you as my king- listening to your voice and following your commands. 

Song: “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.  Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!”