Dec 24, 2023
Scripture Reading: Psa 2:1-6; Dan 7:13,14; Rev 19:11,15,16
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Sermon Summary
In light of the multiplied and complicated problems of our world, the wisdom and resolve of the United Nations seem utterly inadequate. What the world needs is a king … someone to rule in perfect wisdom and justice and compassion. What the world needs is for Jesus Christ to reign as the supreme Sovereign. And that is exactly what God promised to David and through David in what is usually called the Davidic Covenant.
"When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you . . . and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (2 Sam 7:12,13).
The fulfillment of this promise comes on two levels. On the immediate level, the promised son is Solomon. On the far distant level, the promised son is Jesus, whose kingdom is everlasting.
The King will come and He will establish His kingdom. It will be a kingdom of peace (Isa 9:6,7) … justice (Jer 23:5,6) … holysovereignty (Rev 19:11-21) … and eternal duration (Dan 7:13,14).
It is the coming of Christ and His promised rule that comforts us in the face of our fears and steels us in the face of our weaknesses. “The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever" (Rev 11:15).