“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”
In times of crisis, whether it be a financial collapse, rising crime, political in-fighting, moral failures among the influential, the blood shed from war or wide spread corruption, people naturally want change. History is replete with renowned figures that rose from obscurity in eras of uncertainty to influence a nation or affect the world. No matter what a person’s political or religious affiliation is, during a crisis, they just simply want things to turn around. (Image
from Motion Worship)
This is why in the course of human history God would routinely intervene in national and world affairs by raising up a chosen messenger to bring about change. One such man was King David. When he was young, he was anointed by God to be Israel’s future king. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” (1 Samuel 13:13) As the years went by, young David rose to prominence and fulfilled God’s mission leading Israel toward its greatest years.
During his reign God made this promise to him, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16) What a promise! But how is that possible? For David knew he would eventually be laid to rest like all others.
David understood that his promised eternal reign would obviously not be himself, but through his future lineage. He believed that through generations yet born, there would always be a king from his line. But more so, he wisely understood there would eventually arise from his line, a King greater than himself and all others, whom would reign forever.
And who was that future king?
On the first Christmas Day there was born a baby from the line of David. His name was Jesus. His birth was foretold centuries earlier by Isaiah, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:22-23) Jesus grew up to become the greatest spiritual leader in Israel’s history, and eventually gave Himself to die on a cross and rise again for the people of Israel, and the whole world. He once said of Himself, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) And the angels of heaven declared that Jesus was the Anointed One spoken about in David’s promise, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15)
Like Jesus’ ancestor, David, He was a King and came as a Deliverer. However, David was a king of a physical nation who sought to deliver his countrymen from their surrounding enemies. Conversely, Jesus came not to set up and rule over a physical kingdom, but a spiritual one.
Let me ask, why do nations go to war? Why is there crime and rampant immorality? Why are there crises? Because of evil in the hearts of people. However, Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection provided a pathway for people to be delivered from this indwelling evil. When they meet His conditions of faith and repentance, they can be instantaneously made new.
What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.
And one day this will happen. He came the first time as a baby, but He has promised to return a second time as a divine Warrior. Then He will physically deliver the whole world from His enemies and set up a physical kingdom where He will reign forever.
This Christmas, enter into Jesus’ kingdom. Trust Him with your whole being and be made new!
A prayer for you – Lord God, thank you for Christmas and the hope of deliverance from sin it brings. Examine our hearts to see if there be any evil within us. Then help us to earnestly call upon Jesus to be forgiven. In His name. Amen.
1 comment:
Thanks for your writing, Clint. I've become familiar with your good work because of the Junction City paper that publishes your column. It is inspirational. Thank you.
Not addressed but relevant to most people is that while King David did good and from his posterity was born our savior, King David was also a carnal man who lusted after Bathsheba, had an affair and had her husband sent to the front lines to die. Why would I bring up such wrongs? Because even God can work miracles through the lives of imperfect, sin fallen people like King David and hopefully through me. Thankfully, God has revealed his truths anew to all people who are open to his word. Cheers and blessings to you.
Post a Comment