Advent Journey - Following the Seed From Eden to Bethlehem Àpẹrẹ

Day 15

THE BIBLE’S MOUNT RUSHMORE

David (33)

Who would you consider among the list of the most famous ancestors to Jesus Christ? 

Adam? Noah? Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? 

Make room for King David. His role was gigantic!

After the twelve tribes were led out of Egypt by Moses, they were led into the Promised Land by Joshua. Over the next 300-400 years, the Israelites were led by a series of “judges.” 

Let’s step back and look at the big picture. 

The goal for these twelve tribes was to inhabit the land of Canaan. That’s why God led Terah and Abram out of Ur, right? And Canaan is where Bethlehem is. 

While settling in the Promised Land, they encountered various enemy groups. So God assigned military leaders – known as “judges” - to rally the twelve tribes and fight off these enemies.

For this era of “judges,” think of MMA (mixed martial arts) fighters with swords, not pot-bellied men wearing robes. Eventually the Israelites grew discontent with judges and requested a king. God initially gave them King Saul (tribe of Benjamin) but later chose David as the replacement king.

One of the Bible’s most famous seed-setting events is called the “Davidic covenant” – God promised David that his throne would last forever.

16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

Remember Jacob’s blessing to Judah? 

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him (Genesis 49:10).

Judah’s blessing was the first hint that kings would come from his seed. Sure enough, David was that king. By the way, how does any kingdom last forever? History is filled with the rise and fall of one nation after another. 

But God is talking about a divine kingdom – whose ruler will be Jesus Christ. 

One thousand years after King David, Jesus would come to earth and be hailed as the King of the Jews. And one day still in the future, Jesus will resume his reign on earth and in the new heavens. Jesus came from the line of kings, tracing its origins all the way back to the King David.

If there was a Mount Rushmore for famous fathers of the Seed, it would have to include David!

Reflections:

Give the family a fun pop quiz. 

How many fathers in line of the Seed (up to King David) can you name together as a family (or separately, if you’re a competitive bunch.)

Remember – David is #33, so we’re talking about those names we’ve covered so far in this Advent Journey. 

Have fun!