Day 22 – December 18
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. [Isaiah 9:7 ESV]
When God called Abraham in Genesis 12, he told him that through his descendants he would bless all nations of the earth. In this passage we see Isaiah prophesying the fulfillment of this promise. Through the line of David, God would send the Messiah whose kingdom and rule would have no end. The “government” spoken of is the gracious gift of God bringing us, as gentiles, into the fold of salvation. He took two separate peoples and made them one, the church, who are the ones who populate the Lord’s kingdom that has no end. During Christmas, we tend to focus only on Christ coming down to earth, but if Christ only came down and never ascended then we would not have much to celebrate! After his resurrection and 40 days on earth thereafter, Christ ascended into heaven to sit on his throne ruling over his established kingdom of the Church. You and I are part of this kingdom that has no end! Christ has promised that the kingdom will never end and that one day he will return to abolish sin and death.
Church, let us remember who sits on the throne. Let us remember that nothing will ever overcome His church. Be comforted that God has given us a risen savior who rules and is in control. Find your hope in your king!
Lord God, let us not only remember Your descension to earth to save us, but let us also remember Your ascension and Your current rule over Your kingdom. Lord, You are holy, You are sovereign, and You are king. Amen.
Written by: Braydon Hotchkiss
Amen