By the time the progress of God’s covenant with His people arrives at David, the hope for a truly good and powerful king was beginning to build. And that momentum would continue following God’s covenant with David. Today’s excerpt from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is found on pages 41 and 42:
“At the time David became king over Israel, God was already preparing a way for His people across the remainder of time’s river, unto the bank of eternal blessing in His presence and peace. And that journey involved a King, descended from David, Who would reign over the Kingdom of God forever.
“Surely, this King would be none other than the promised Shiloh, to Whom all the nations would declare their allegiance?
“From the time of David onward the focus on a coming King and Kingdom begins to accelerate. Prophets like Isaiah and Daniel foretold the coming of a Kingdom that would be characterized by the righteousness of God’s Law, that would grow and increase and fill the entire earth, and that would overcome and supplant all other kingdoms and nations.
“A King was promised to rule over this Kingdom. He would be lowly, and serve His people like a shepherd, and He Himself would be the promised peace for God’s chosen people. This King would give His Kingdom to those who believe in Him, and they would inherit the nations of the world as a result. His Kingdom would rule the entire earth, offering to the nations of the world the opportunity of living in the promise, peace, and joy of the LORD, while, at the same time, suppressing and overwhelming any who opposed this advancing rule.
“This King would be exalted to the right hand of God, where He would rule in righteousness, peace, and joy a people of His own possession, drawn from all the nations of the earth.
“From David onward, the covenant of God, which had been an ever-widening roadway from Adam and Noah, through Moses and Israel, was being mapped out for greater breadth still, taking in all the nations and peoples of the earth.”
For r4flection or discussion
1. What does it mean to say that Jesus is King of kings? King of your life?
2. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom. Why is the Kingdom of God Good News?
As you read through the Old Testament from the time of David forward, the focus on kings and a coming King accelerates. The kings of Israel and Judah are mostly disappointments. Each one dashes the hopes of the people and flares the wrath of God. There are exceptions, and they keep alive the hope of the promised coming King. And He is coming, coming again. We look forward to this with great hope and joy. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then share your thoughts about with one another. Your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is waiting for you in a free PDF download at The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
