Names of Jesus | Advent Devotional预览

Tuesday, December 3
2 Samuel 7:1-13 | Christ, the Son of David
Author: Rev. Andrew Siegenthaler

"Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal son,
Who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and Blessed One."

The season of Advent invites us to reflect on the fulfillment of ancient promises, chief among them the promise that God’s Messiah would come from the line of David. David, the shepherd boy who became king, is the Old Testament figure who most fully foreshadows the person and work of Christ. Throughout Scripture, we see that Jesus is not only like David in many ways, but he is so closely identified with him that the Messiah is even called by David’s name. In Ezekiel 37:24-25, God declares, “My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd... David, my servant, will be their prince forever.” This passage points us forward to Jesus, the Son of David, who will reign forever and gather his people under his care.

Although Jesus was a carpenter by trade, we most often picture him as our shepherd, guiding us with tender care. This is largely because David, the shepherd-king, gave us the 23rd Psalm, which describes God as a shepherd who leads his people beside still waters and restores their souls. In Christ, this imagery takes on an even deeper meaning. As the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), Jesus not only leads us but lays down his life for his sheep, accomplishing the ultimate victory over sin and death.

Similarly, though Jesus never wielded a sword or led an army, we see him as a mighty warrior in the spiritual realm because of the victories David achieved. David’s triumphs over Goliath and the enemies of Israel point us to Christ’s victory over Satan, sin, and evil. Just as David went before his people in battle, Christ goes before us, defeating the forces of darkness and inviting us to share in his triumph. Through his resurrection, Jesus shows that he is the King who conquers death itself—our ultimate enemy.

The title "Son of David" is more than a genealogical note; it reveals Jesus' identity as the rightful King and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David. The people of Israel longed for a king like David—a ruler who would restore God’s people and establish a kingdom of peace and justice. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to the cries of “Hosanna!” the crowds hailed him with the words, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38). Their praise echoed the lyrics of the hymn: “Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal son, who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and Blessed One.”

This Advent, let us worship Christ as the Son of David, the fulfillment of every promise, and the King of kings. He is the shepherd who tends to our souls, the warrior who fights for our freedom, and the Prince of Peace whose reign will never end. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, may we bow before him in awe and anticipation, trusting that his kingdom has come and will one day be fully realized. Rejoice, for the Son of David has come—and he will reign forever!