December 5, 2020
King of kings – Matthew 2:2
Dr. Larry S. Lightner
Read Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 2:2; Luke 19:37-44
If we think toward the beginning and the end of the life of Jesus on earth, one cannot escape the identification of the ones who proclaimed the kingship of Jesus. It is also interesting that the first to seek Him were from the far east of the then known world, the magi (we call them “wise men“. You would think that those living closest to the reality of this Savior would be busy looking for Him.
Historically, the magi were thought to be associated with the prophet Daniel’s school. When you trace the announcements that our great hope was arriving, you would think of fire, neon lights, flashing lights on the stage, perhaps a little stage smoke. Surely there would be much done to announce the fame and treasure of the Son sent by Holy God.
However, He was rejected by the ones to whom Jesus was being sent. He was to be their King. Even Pilate had a sign posted on the cross of His crucifixion: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. The Jews demanded Pilate change the sign, but he refused.
Despite hard hearts refusing to honor His Kingship, Jesus remains King, King of kings. God sent Him to rule over what belongs to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These are the ones in ownership over creation, including us. Matthew tells us of His lineage in King David. Luke traces the genealogy of Jesus clear back to Adam. Truly He is the Son of God.
He is the authentic One. He is the prepared One. He is the sent One. His kingdom is not of this world, yet the world would one day bow the knee to Him. Jesus comes first as a humble King, but there will be a day He will return as the ruling King of kings. On His robe and on His thigh, He has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).
While our great King is not absent from His kingdom, He is patiently waiting for the time when He once again comes to establish His Kingdom upon the earth. He gives us great Hope. He will be coming soon; we await His coming.
Our great King is no weakling; we do not worship One who wants to be King. We worship the King of Kings, the Lord of lords. Jesus deserves all the honor and glory; of the whole of creation and from us. His name is Jesus, the King of glory.
Life Application
It is interesting that the whole of creation worships the King of kings. It is creation’s privilege to worship Him. Yet, much of humanity miss this privilege for themselves. Why is that? There are things that block this worship: pride, busyness, anger, doubt, refusal to believe, and even the self-centeredness of the world in which we live. All of us need to fix our eyes upon the Savior. He is the One whom God has sent; the One who is the object of our Hope.
There is never not a time when our worship of Jesus is inappropriate. As we gather in this Advent season, might we grow in our relationship with the One who loves us so, and offers the true Hope that the world desperately needs.
Prayer
- Pray for someone you know that needs the sure Hope of Jesus.
- Pray for God to help you spread the fame of Jesus to the neighborhood and community where you live.
