All Hail King Jesus!

Scripture: “The scepter shall not depart from Judea, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet until He comes to whom it belongs” (referring to Shiloh/ Messiah.  Genesis 49:10

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews?  For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him."   Matthew 2:2 (Read Revelation 17:14; 19:16)

“…The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever: his kingdom will never end.”  Luke 1:32-33

 Powers of kingship and authority have been shown in many ways, but these two symbols are used in Old Testament Scripture as related to Messiah /King, anticipating His coming to the Chosen People.  God chose them in a covenant with Abram and his sons and again through King David to be the Nation through which He would bring Light and blessing to the entire world.  We know this as forgiveness of sin and Salvation through the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The scepter, or decorative rod, is a symbol of power and authority for Kings, rulers or their designates.  In Ancient days, one could only approach the king for personal or business reasons- if he extended this to you (Esther 4:11).  If he did not choose to see you – it might be a beating or ‘off with your head.’

The crown is a distinctive royal headdress (many different styles) that is also symbolic of honor and kingship.  When rulers change or lesser rulers crowned, the coronation is a gala and elegant ceremony, a means of telling everyone the authority is changing.

The Jewish people expected their Messiah - Prince of Peace - to come as a mighty warrior king and free them from the cruelty of their many Gentile rulers.  However, the crown which Yeshua/Jesus/Messiah, wore on this earth, was a crown of thorns. God /Jesus loved mankind so much that He laid aside His heavenly Kingliness, came to earth in human flesh to become our sacrificial Lamb.

Quote from one of my Christmas favorites-The Wonder of Christmas by Daniel Partner:

    The incarnation of God in Christ is beyond explanation: The Eternal Word was made flesh and    dwelt among us.  He took upon himself human nature and lived in the same world we do, under     the same conditions.  He had Lived in Glory as God– among angels – Yet came to earth to live     with  us.

He was despised, ridiculed, spit up, rejected and killed by those He came to love.  Paul includes in each letter the ‘Good News of salvation.  Here is a favorite verse I memorized years ago in VBS;  “(Christ) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  Philippians 2: 6-7 (read 5-12).

Hallelujah!  He was God-man and was raised from the grave and IS coming again.  The Old Testament prophecies proved true about His coming the first time, as heir to the throne of David.  We have every reason to believe the prophecies about His return as KING of kings to claim His own and judge the world, is also true!  He will wear a crown; He will crown believers with crown of life; the 24 Elders will cast their crowns at his feet. (Rev 4) and "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Philippians 2:11)

Who is Messiah to you today?  Be blessed with the joy and anticipation of the return of our Savior Lord, KING JESUS.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for caring so much for me; desiring to have fellowship and loving me so much that you sent your only Son to die- that I might live. Forgive my foolish ways, thoughts, and deeds.  As I prepare to celebrate your gift - His birth - help me to prepare my heart and life for His soon return and hail Him as King of kings!  it is in His precious name that we pray….            Gma