4/1/12- Christ as King- Palm Sunday

40- 4/1- Palm Sunday- WSC- 26

Q. 26- How does Christ hold the office of a king?
A. Christ holds the office of a king by bringing us under his power, in ruling and defending us, and in holding back and conquering all His and our enemies. 

 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt. 28:18-20)

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, (Col. 3:13)

Thoughts: On Palm Sunday, we recognize that the King has come to His city, and His Temple.  He rode in as a Jewish King being proclaimed as the “Son of David” and he accepted their praise – even when other said he should not.  There was a time when Christ refused the kingship- but in the end- though he admitted it was not of this world, he accepted the kingship.

Prayer: You are my King O Lord, and you are worthy of my worship. 

(Palm Sunday- Tissot)

12-24-12 The King of kings Fulfills Hope

Christmas Eve- 12/24-Luke 2:30-33- ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Christmas Eve Services (5:00- children; 7:00-candlelight-full choir; 11:00 candlelight communion)

Thoughts:  In the end, Christ wins and our hopes will be fulfilled in His victory.   He will reign- not just for a little while, but forever.  Earthly Jewish rule ended during Christ’s life time when the Romans took away the ability of the Jewish politicians to impose the death penalty or to raise an army.  But the promise to King David was that “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16).  This is fulfilled in Jesus a descendant of David who reigns with all authority forever and ever.  Christmas in part means that our hopes are fulfilled and the just king has come to claim His throne. 

Prayer: Lord, be my King today.  Protect me, provide for me, but also guide me with your Spirit and your Law.

Application: Invite one family member or neighbor to join you for Christmas Eve services.

 (King of kings- Greg Olson)

Glorious Now, Behold Him arise…
King and God and sacrifice.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Sounds through the earth and skies!
(PH. #66- “We Three Kings”)