King of KINGS

 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

“Where is he who is born King of the Jews?”  (Matt 2:2)

This is the question asked by the Magi at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew.  They followed the Star to worship the ‘King of the Jews’. Maybe they had heard about the coming King from Daniel in Babylon.  There are several Old Testament passages that relate to Messiah King.  Zechariah 14 is one of my favorites.  Speaking of Lord as one God he writes, “The Lord will be King over the whole earth (v9) and “The survivors from all the nations who have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King” (v 16). Through the ages and continuing, Jewish people have looked for  and anticipated Messiah’ coming to their rescue.

Matthews’s Gospel presents the Kingship of Yeshua ha Mashiach with might and authority over nature, disease, and demons. Read this Book with this Jesus in mind and you will picture the Kingdom of Heaven on earth and His glorious kingdom to come.

As I write this, I treasure memories of walking the “Palm Sunday Road.” This was a day in the life of Jesus when He allowed the people to hail Him as King, waving palm branches and shouting  ‘Hosanna’.   Palm branches were waved as earthly kings and royalty entered a city;  Shouts of Hosanna as He rode toward Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled the Godly prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “See your King comes to you… gentle and riding … on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”  Tradition tells us that a king riding into a city on a donkey indicates peace; riding a mighty horse indicates triumphant in battle.   When Messiah returns it will be as triumphant King of Kings riding a white horse (Rev 19:11)  Hallelujah!!! 

I wonder if any of these were in the crowd a few days later when, before Pilate, they cried out “Crucify him”?  Pilate washed his hands, when he found no guilt in Jesus, but gave in to the mob.   The soldiers mocked Jesus with a royal robe, crown of thorns and a staff as a scepter.  However, Pilate had the last word when he had the notice placed on Jesus’ cross- “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS”!   

Today people and nations (including ours) continue to mock him and rile against Jesus, His people and His Kingdom.  Persecution and anti-Semitism are rampant.  We pray “Thy Kingdom come” but are they only words or do we mean that? Or do we say, “Not yet. Lord, have things on my ‘bucket list”, or unsaved family and friends? Do we long for Jesus to return and set the world straight?  Do we act like Kings Kids and reflect His Heavenly Kingdom?

The Old Testament predicted Messiah King; that is what the Jews of His day expected.

The Magi searched for the King of the Jews; King Herod (and Satan) tried to destroy Him.

Crowds saw miracles, healings, people set free from demons and wanted to declare Him King.

Pilate declared him King of the Jews.

John the Revelator saw him as King on a white horse, called Faithful and True, King of KINGS!!!

Is Jesus King of your heart??  Do you look and act like The King’s Kid??

All hail King Jesus, All hail Emmanuel, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Bright Morning Star
And throughout eternity I'll sing Your Praises, And forevermore I shall reign with Him!!

Blessings,

Gramps