Christmas Advent Devotional – Day 5
Advent – Day 5
Yesterday Pastor Paul took us through the challenging but important truth of righteous obedience. It also concluded the first chapter of Matthew. Today, we continue the Advent journey by recognizing the Kingship of Jesus Christ and explore the response of the heart to his title as King. Remember that the word Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth of Jesus, as well as His second coming. We are breaking into the second chapter of Matthew, and unearthing inspirational nuggets to feed our souls.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-2
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Devotional Thoughts
The salutation of the wise men from the East to the baby Jesus as “King of the Jews” was given by revelation. Throughout New Testament readings, the prophetic names of Jesus have been revealed to many. It was revealed to Peter that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Nathanael under inspiration called him Rabbi, the Son of God. The blind man Bartimaeus, also under inspiration declared, Jesus, thou Son of David.
Each of these revelations of Jesus’s name provoke different responses of the heart. Within that provocation of the heart, there is a call to action. Very briefly, blind Bartimaeus’s revelation of Christ as the Son of David was followed by the words “have mercy on me.” Bartimaeus understood that the former King David, was known for his mercy, and who also embodied the expression of God’s mercy. And if Christ was of the lineage of David, then Christ also, would be one to release mercy. In Bartimaeus’s case, His mercy would extend to his eyes being healed of blindness.
When we think of Jesus as King, what response does it elicit from our hearts? What does it provoke us to do? In the case of the wise men, they worshiped Him and presented Him with gifts. He is not a king that lords his authority over anyone. Rather, His kingship is one that governs to protect, to counsel, to deliver from the enemy’s destructive ways, and to enhance the quality of our lives. It is a lordship that requires us to invite him to reign in our hearts and lives.
Christ – The King
Even though he was saluted as “King of the Jews” by the wise men of the East, it is clear that the Jews themselves never made such an admission or accepted him as such. The title was first declared by non-Jews, which the scriptures were clear to state, that the wise men were from the East. The title was used again in mockery when Jesus was being tried, before his crucifixion. Pilate had made a title which he hung on the cross of Jesus: “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” This incensed the Jews even more and asked Pilate to re-write this as “He said he is” but Pilate ignored them, wearied and tired of their irrational hatred of Jesus.
The Jews however should have recognized this title from Zechariah 9:9, another prophecy of Christ fulfilled which says:
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.
It is a prophetic declaration of the Messiah being called “King,” as well as a declaration of his purpose to come and save mankind (having salvation). It also predicts the journey of this king to the cross, riding on a donkey, which also was fulfilled. Being avid stewards of the Old Testament, these scriptures, among many other prophecies should have provoked acceptance and not rejection. Jesus truly is the King of all kings.
Reflection
• What response do you have in your heart today toward Christ the King?
• Is he Lord and ruler in heart and in your life?
• What areas do you think you still need to bring under his rulership and guidance?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge you as King, ruler and Lord in my life. Teach me to be open to your rulership and guidance in all areas of my life. In the areas where I am struggling grant me grace and understanding. In the times I have rejected your authority, forgive me. Open my eyes daily to see your glory, and draw me closer to you. Amen.
Previous Devotionals
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 1
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 2
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 3
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 4
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