Reading With the People of God #10 Kingdomنموونە

Focus of the month: (Kingdom)

7 Now, therefore, thus shall you say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, 8 and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 9 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall waste them no more, as formerly, 10 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. 11 When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’ ”.

- 1 Chronicles 17:7-14

Kings, Heroes, and Magi

As we read 2 Samuel 23 and Matthew 2, we will see some important and powerful people. The contrast of the passages is at the end of a king's life, David (2 Samuel 23), and the beginning of another king's life, Jesus (Matthew 2). In these accounts we see faithful, even heroic actions of the characters moved and motivated by faith in God.

David speaks his last words prompted by the Spirit of God, telling of the everlasting covenant that will be established with his heir. David’s mighty men are just that mighty. They accomplish great feats in the service of God and the king. Who can match their fantastic feats? Some mysterious Magi, wise men, apparently stargazers who saw a star appear as a sign to them, traveled across the known world. They came to see the King to which the sign pointed, to worship and give gifts that were as significant as they were valuable. These gifts signified the truth about the King of Heaven-born in a stable. Gold for a king. Jesus is the King of kings. Frankincense for a priest. Jesus is our Great High Priest. Myrrh for a burial. Jesus is the sacrifice for all.

Each character expresses their service to God. King David, his mighty men, and the Magi all had significant roles in these chapters, but don’t miss the main character. The barely referred to baby who was whisked away to safety in Egypt. He is the Heir of the Line of David, the One mighty in spirit for God, the wisest of wise men, and the Saviour through His sacrifice. Of all the mighty kings, heroes, and wise men, Jesus stands apart. Yes, read of the great people of these passages, but know the humble baby is the greatest of them all.

* primer contributed by Doug Drainiville, Following King Jesus