Which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh. Romans 1:2,3
Do you like mystery stories, books about a great crime or other event, in which the writer seeks to keep the reader guessing until the very last page exactly who it was that committed the dastardly deed? Mysteries are exciting, because of the suspense they maintain. But when we come to the Scriptures, the Author leaves nothing hidden. As our text says, the Scriptures written by the prophets are concerned with none other Person than the Lord Jesus Christ.
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture’s grand theme is a person, Scripture’s unfolding is the revelation of the Son of God. And Paul reminds the Romans that one of the great truths of the revelation of Christ is his fleshly lineage, which places Him in the family of David the son of Jesse.
As we remember today Him Who became flesh and dwelt among us, we cannot help but be impressed with His humility and with the circumstances of poverty into which He came. And yet, we must also acknowledge His right to the throne of His father David. There were some as He ministered who recognized that title to which He could claim. But Israel as a nation rejected Him as their king. The day is fast approaching when they will recognize that mistake, and accord Him the throne that is rightfully His.
But until that day comes, the numbers who recognize His title are few. We gather as such a few today. We meet, as the words of the old hymn say, to ‘Hail Him, Hail Him, Prophet and Priest and King’.
How gracious of Him to meet with us today, as we acknowledge Him as King, when it was our representatives who crowned Him in mockery with thorns! How kind of our King to receive from our hearts and lips the praise He deserves, considering that these hearts and lips at one time took His Name in blasphemy.
Basking in the love of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we draw near today to acknowledge His title and appreciate His presence. -Jim MacIntosh