Destined to Be King

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr. 

Read: Luke 1:32-33

     Long before the birth of Jesus Christ Isaiah prophesied, “O the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,”... (Isa. 9:7). Christians believe this prophecy referred to Jesus Christ the Messiah. Our text says, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” These were the words of the angel telling Mary that God will give her a son destined to be a king. In the Triumphal Entry to the city of Jerusalem Jesus deliberately acted out in a dramatic way Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah (Zec. 9:9). By this act He was proclaiming that he was that king riding on a donkey (Mt. 21:5). In His trial Jesus admitted to Pilate that He was a king (Mt. 27:11; Jn. 18:37). Thus prophecy and Jesus Himself declared that He was a king. So down through the ages His followers have been singing about Him, “King of kings, and Lord of lords; And He shall reign forever and ever.”

     What kind of a King is Jesus? Of course, if you know the Jesus we read in the New Testament then you have some answers to that question. Relating to His kingship we may mention some characteristics of Him. When Pilate was questioning him Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world (Jn. 18:36). The kind of kingdom He rules reflect the kind of king He is. Jesus is not a political ruler, but a spiritual ruler. He does not rule in a throne or office. He rules in the minds and hearts of people (Lk. 17:21). He rules by love because love is the royal law in His kingdom (James 2:8). He does not rule with an iron hand. He shall uphold His kingdom “with justice and righteousness” because He is just and righteous (Isa.9:7). He shall not use physical violence in enforcing His will because it is contrary to love (Jn. 18:36).

     How will Christ become king in the life of an individual person as well as in society? In other words, how is His kingdom established? In biblical times kings usually assimilated other nations into their kingdoms by military conquest. This is not the way of Jesus. He respects our freedom and will not force us. Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts that we may voluntarily accept Him as our King (Rev. 3:20). We have to freely surrender our will to Him, and resolve to obey completely His will. If we don’t there is nothing He can do. So, are you willing to accept Christ as your king in your life? If you have not yet done that right now you may open your heart and invite Him to come in by prayer.  

Prayer: 

     May you come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my King. I am completely giving up my will, that your will may be done in me. For your glory and in your name I pray. Amen.