Tag: King
What is truth?
Scripture reading for April 30: John 18
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to Him, “So you are a king? Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world–to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is Truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in Him.”” John 18: 36-38
Determining what is true in this world helps us define our world view. Pilate, the Roman governor in Jerusalem, was a person of power in the political machine of Rome. The Jews had brought Jesus to him accusing Jesus of sedition. They claimed that Jesus falsely claimed to be a ‘king’ and preached a new ‘kingdom’ that would supersede all kingdoms. So Pilate asked Jesus, “So You are a king?” Jesus stated that Pilate had stated that, but His purpose was to bear witness to the truth. At this, Pilate asked Jesus a searching question: “What is truth?” Pilate, and many others over the ages, have wrestled with the truth about Jesus Christ. Is He the King? Is He over a kingdom? What is this kingdom that is not of this world?
Pilate wrestled with Jesus’ statement that His kingdom was not of this world. He knew that Jesus’ disciples had fled and had not put up a fight. In fact, Jesus had commanded the guards to let them go. (John 18:8) Pilates’s wife had earlier warned him to have nothing to do with Jesus because of a dream. (Matthew 22:19) In light of these ‘truths’, Pilate declared to the Jews that he found no guilt in Jesus. He sought to release Him, but the Jews demanded Barabbas, a robber.
Have you ever wrestled with what is the truth about Jesus? Have you looked closely at Jesus’ life and claims to be the Christ and King? How have others opinions and demands either helped you to find truth or keep you in the “crucify Him” crowd?
Prayer: Father God, I have wrestled with the claims of Jesus earlier in my life. There were many voices and opinions that claimed to have truth that Jesus was just a man. Thank You for revealing the Truth from hearing the testimony of Jesus preached by other believers. Use me today to share Truth! Amen.
Wise men still seek Him!
Scripture reading for January 2nd: Matthew 2
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: . .” Matthew 2:1-5
As Matthew shared the events of Jesus’ supernatural birth and early life, he recorded this visit of ‘wise men’ from the east. These were probably elders or religious leaders from the land of Persia. They had been told of the Messiah’s coming by God through their study of the stars and had possibly been exposed to Jewish Scripture through Daniel and the Jews in captivity there. Their world view was being shaped by their history, education, and God’s revelation directly to them. As this ‘Star’ rose and guided them, they came prepared to worship this ‘King’ of the Jews. As they inquired where they might find Him, Jewish religious leaders told them from the prophet Micah, written about five hundred years earlier, that Bethlehem of Judea would be His birthplace. (Micah 5:2)
God is always at work to reach lost people and reveal a new path to know Him. He sent His Son to earth for that purpose. He drew Gentiles to seek Him Who was King of the Jews. He is still working today. When we have our world-view expanded to see His grand plan and offer ourselves to become part of it, a life of worship and joyful expectation results! Wise men still seek Him!
Have you initiated your search for true wisdom? Are you troubled by the revelation of a King Who is worthy of worship? Have you expanded your world-view by receiving understanding through Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your careful and thorough prophetic instruction concerning Your plan to send Your Son to earth to save lost people. Thank you for including all mankind. Open my eyes today and expand my view of life to include Your plan for a King. Amen.
King over all the earth!
Scripture reading for October 2: Zechariah 12-14
“This is what the Lord says concerning Israel. The Lord, Who stretches out the heavens, Who lays the foundation of the earth, and Who forms the spirit of man within him, declares: ” I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.”” Zechariah 12:1-3a
God has some serious plans for Jerusalem and Judah. He foretells of a time when all nations will be gathered against Israel and Jerusalem. They will attack but be broken, because God, Himself will be with His people. God stated through Zechariah that He would set out to destroy all nations that attack Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:9)
God is going to pour out on Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication in that coming day, and they will look on Jesus, the one they have pierced, and mourn for Him. (Zechariah 12:10) (John 19:34-37) He promised to open up a fountain for the house of David and Jerusalem to cleanse them from sins. (Zechariah 13:1) The land would be cleansed of all idols and every impurity. The wounds that would cleanse them, would be received at the house of his friends! (Zechariah 13:6) The sword would strike the shepherd of the Lord and the sheep would be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7) (Matthew 26:31-32) God’s people would be refined in the fire of the last days! Two thirds of them will perish but a third will call on the Lord and He will answer them! (Zechariah 13:8-9)
In the last days that are to come, Jerusalem would be captured, houses ransacked and women raped. But, suddenly, the Lord will put his feet on the Mt. of Olives and it will split in two, creating a great valley. It will make a way of escape for God’s people! (Zechariah 14:4-5) It will be a day when living waters will flow out of Jerusalem. “The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and His name the only name.” Zechariah 14:9
Jerusalem will be lifted up and inhabited, secure and never again destroyed. The nations that attacked Israel will be struck with a terrible plague that will cause their flesh to rot while standing on their feet and the eyes to rot in their sockets! There will be survivors who will worship the Lord in Jerusalem by coming to the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:12-16) “Holy to the Lord” will be inscribed on the bells of the horses and the cooking pots in the Lord’s house. What a conclusion to this ‘minor’ prophet! Be sure He is King over your life for He will surely be and is “King over the earth.”
Your King is coming!
Scripture reading for October 1: Zechariah 9-11
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Zechariah 9:9-10
Zechariah was very specific about the coming Ruler who will be both a priest and a king. This coming One would not be a great conqueror who would ruthlessly devour the nations or subdue them with strong-arm tactics. Instead, He would come gently, armed with weapons of righteousness and salvation. He would also be riding on the colt of a donkey. He would come proclaiming peace to all peoples and nations! His rule would extend to the ends of the earth! What a picture of Jesus Christ! (Matthew 21:2-4)
This gentle King, Who announces peace, would also save and restore His people! Because of the blood of His covenant, He will free the prisoners and will restore them double! The Lord will save His flock like a shepherd from their enemies and they will sparkle like jewels in a crown. (Zechariah 9:16-17)
The people of God were to ask the Lord for rain in the springtime. God gives showers of rain to the just and unjust, but He is responsive to His people asking . God was tired of shepherds who oppressed the people and promised that He, Himself, would care for His flock. He would raise up from Judah One Who would be the Cornerstone and the Tent Peg. He would bring forth the Battle Bow and every ruler would come from Him. (Zechariah 10:4) This again is a reference to Jesus Christ, Who came from the tribe of Judah and became the Chief Cornerstone of the new temple! He was a Peg driven in a firm place and a Mighty Warrior!
There are many “I will” statements in Zechariah 10. Included in these statements are promises to strengthen the house of Judah and have compassion on them. God promises to be their God and to hear and answer them. (Zechariah 10:6-12) He will gather them from where they have been scattered and they will walk in His name!
A final reference to this king is found in Zechariah 11:12-13 where the statement about the price of thirty pieces of silver for the pay of the shepherd was made. It was to be thrown to the potter! Zechariah had again left a significant Word that signified that Jesus Christ was Messiah and described Judas’ betrayal for the thirty pieces of silver! (Matthew 27:3-10)
Our King is coming again! This time as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Are you ready to meet Him? Humble yourself today and ask Him to rule in your heart and life!
The Crowning of the High Priest
Scripture reading for September 28: Zechariah 5-6
Our goal during these devotions on God’s Word is to see Jesus Christ in every book of the Bible. Zechariah, other than Isaiah, has more references to the coming of Jesus and His ministry than any other prophet. In today’s reading we have more of the eight visions that God gave Zechariah to encourage the workers who were rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem. Eight is the number of ‘new beginnings’.
Zechariah had already mentioned the ‘Branch’ Who was symbolized by Joshua, the High Priest. This ‘Branch’ would come and be fully obedient to God and take away the sins of the nation in a single day. (Zechariah 3:8-9) The High Priest symbolically did this on the Day of Atonement each year. He went behind the veil of the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of a lamb on the mercy seat. His offering of blood was for the sins of the nation. (Leviticus 16:15-17)
In today’s reading, Zechariah saw another vision of powerful horses going throughout the earth. (Zechariah 6:1-6) One of the horses went toward the North and reported rest being brought to God’s Spirit. Zechariah then was told to take silver and gold from the returned exiles, make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the High Priest. He was to say to him: “Here is the Man Whose Name is Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the Lord. It is He Who will build the temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit on His throne. And He will be a Priest on His throne and there will be harmony between the two.” (Zechariah 6:12-13)
As we reflect on this vision in light of the life and current ministry of Jesus Christ, we see that the ‘Branch’ is again a picture of Jesus Christ Who was and is both Priest and King! He is our “High Priest” before God, there interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) He is the “King of Kings” Who is coming in power to claim His bride, the church, and punish His enemies. (Revelation 19:11-16)
We are encouraged by these ancient visions today because of the revelation of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Jesus, our Priest and King, is praying for us today. He has given us the Holy Spirit and we have overcoming power to share with the lost world the good news of His coming again. We are watching for His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Our faith and faithfulness will crown Him when He comes! (Revelation 4:9-11)
Son of David–Lord of David!
Scripture reading for June 24: Psalms 107-110
Psalm 110 was used by Jesus Christ to confound his adversaries. Jesus was being tested by the teachers of the law. To counter their arguments, Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 and attributed it to King David speaking under the power of the Holy Spirit. “The Lord said to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” (Psalm 110:1) “David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be His son?” (Mark 12:36-37a) Jesus’ question was designed to help these teachers connect with the plain teaching of God’s Word that the messiah would be a son of David as well as his Lord! (2nd Samuel 7:12, 13, 16)
The psalm is a prophetic picture of the messiah who would come from the line of David. This messiah would sit at God’s right hand and rule until the Lord God put all His enemies under His feet. The messiah would be made or declared a priest as well as a ruling king! A priest represents the people before God by intercession and sacrifice. The king was to rule on behalf of God. These offices were not combined in the Old Testament history of God’s people. There was one person in history who was both a priest and a king. His name was Melchizedek. (Genesis 14:18-20) (Hebrews 5:5-10, 6:19-7:28) Melchizedek was the King of Salem (Peace) and a priest of the Most High God. He received tithes from Abraham and blessed Abraham. This descendant of David Who was to come would be a priest and king like Melchizedek!
Priests normally did not sit down while at work. This King/Priest Who was seated at God’s right hand was invited to sit! He could sit because His work of sacrifice on behalf of the people was completed! (Acts 5:31) (Ephesians 1:20) David was seeing a vision of the throne in heaven following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who offered His own sinless body as the payment for the sins of the whole world! John the Baptist remarked of Jesus: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Jesus now is interceding as our Priest before God, seated at His right hand! (Romans 8:34)
This King/Priest is ruling in the midst of His enemies now, waiting for them to bow their knees! (Psalm 110:2,3) There is a coming day of wrath where all enemies who have not become one of his troops by bowing their knees will suffer a crushing defeat! (Psalm 110:5-6) Have you bowed your knee to Him? Are you sharing the Good News of a King/Priest Who is praying for all to be saved?
Give me a King!
Scripture reading for March 18: 1st Samuel 8-12
1Samuel 8:5,7 “. . .and they said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” . . .”and the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.”
Although they already had God as King, the Israelites had demanded a king like the other nations. (1st Samuel 8:4-5) God already knew this would happen. He had told Moses about it! (Deuteronomy 16:14-20) God knows man’s deepest need is for a relationship Him. To help us know Him, He sometimes lets us have what we want in order to help us learn what we really need.
God chose Saul, a person who stood above all the others, as Israel’s first king. (1st Samuel 10:23-24) As Samuel anointed him, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and he began prophesying. (1st Samuel 10:1, 9-11) Samuel introduced him to the nation and the people shouted, “Long live the king!” But this king would not satisfy the people’s need, but would help them to learn that they needed their real King more than ever! This first king would soon fail to obey and honor the Lord and fall under God’s judgment. The people would suffer under his leadership! He would not deliver them from their enemies.
Tomorrow happens to be my 77th birthday. I lived for a few years without a King! As a early teen I invited the King Jesus to rule my life, but did not really let Him have complete say over everything. I am thankful that my King was patient with me. He let me have what I initially wanted, success in farming, to show me that it did not satisfy. My birthday request is that my family would all willingly serve Jesus. A further request would be that all my friends and neighbors would also know this King as Lord, Savior, and Friend! Jesus is patiently waiting for all to acknowledge Him as Lord and King! He meets our deepest need eternally!
“But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” That is the word of faith that we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:8-11)
Bearing Witness to the Truth!
Scripture reading for November 8th: John 18, Psalm 73, Proverbs 6
John 18: 35-38 “Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You over to me. What have You done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world–to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is Truth?””
The Jews had turned Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor as an insurrectionist because they wanted to execute Him. Pilate questioned Jesus concerning His kingdom and title. Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. He also admitted that His purpose was to bear witness to the Truth of His Kingship and kingdom. Pilate was mystified. He had heard Jesus’ claims and was confused about whether they were Truth. This is the state of many in our world today. They know about Jesus and have heard His Gospel, but their hearts refuse to listen to Truth. They instead believe a lie and remain in a state of confusion and end up in eternal judgment. They point their finger at Jesus in accusation instead of lifting their hands in worship. Only the Truth, Jesus Christ, Son of God, can set us free!
Psalm 73:27-28 “For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to You. But for me, it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my Refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Truth of Jesus as King and Your heavenly kingdom. Thank You for revealing the Truth to me and all who believe, saving us from eternal judgment and confusion in this life. Open the eyes and hearts of my friends and family to see the Truth of the Gospel today. Use me in any way You can to share the Gospel Truth with a heart of compassion and love reflecting Your Son.
Proverbs 6:12-13 “A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, . “
Walking in love and truth
Scripture reading for November 29th: Zechariah 12-14, Psalm 94, 2nd John
2nd John: 4-9 “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. And now I ask you, dear lady–not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning–that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments: this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”
In Jesus Christ, love and truth are joined together. John’s second letter is short and to the point concerning Christ’s commandment to love one another. This commandment is not new, but one given by God from the beginning to His people. Loving one another involves faith in God’s Word and obedience to it. Jesus Christ came in a human body and lived a sinless life of faithful obedience to His Father. As God’s Son, He alone is worthy of our love and obedience. Only through abiding in His Word do we have confidence and know that we have the Father and the Son! Beware of deceivers who deny Jesus as God’s Son and His teachings as truth!
Psalm 94:14-15 “For the Lord will not forsake His people; He will not abandon His heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”
Prayer: Father God, I know You through Your Son Jesus Christ and cling to Him as my Savior. Through Your gift of the Holy Spirit, I am now able to joyfully obey Your Word and seek to know and apply it to my life. You are my Lord and King and I choose to follow Jesus and walk in His truth. May my walk bring Your love and truth to those still in the darkness of sin and bondage of self.
Zechariah 14:9 “And the Lord will be King over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be One and His Name One.”
Repent and be baptized!
Scripture reading for April 15th: Judges 19-21, Acts 2
Key Scriptures: Acts 2:36-39 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.””
Peter, after the baptism of the Holy Spirit, preached to a crowd gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. He declared Jesus Christ as Lord and Christ. Those who heard him were convicted and asked what they could do. Peter gave clear instructions: “Repent and be baptized.” He also instructed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was for all who believed in Jesus and repented of sins, even Gentiles! This was prophetic preaching and three thousand were saved and baptized that day. Doing what was right in God’s eyes brought salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, You alone are my King, Lord, and Christ! Help me today to share this good news in the power of the Holy Spirit. I trust You to bring conviction and draw people to Christ Jesus. I know obedience to the Gospel brings salvation and eternal life.
Judges 21:25 “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”