Scripture

The Lord swore an oath to David

with a promise he will not take back

I will place one of your descendants on your throne

If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant

and the laws I teach them

then your royal line will continue for ever and ever.

Application

What an awesome promise the Lord made to King David!

At first sight it seems to be saying that the Lord promised David an eternal dynasty. We assume in the natural that the promise is for a succession of descendants to sit on the throne for a very long time.

With the eyes of the spirit, we see that this is about Jesus, the one descendant who reigns for ever.

King Jesus will rule over all things, even defeating the last enemy, death itself. Every part of creation will kneel at the feet of Jesus and proclaim “You are the King of Kings!”

Then those who followed Him in this life will go on to live with Him for ever. Those who served their own desires will be condemned to the Lake of Fire.

Eternal life or eternal death.

Loyalty to the eternal king brings life forever.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the everlasting King. I worship you and adore you. Thank you for the promise of eternal life. Amen.

Scripture

The kings of the earth prepare for battle

the leaders plot together against the Lord and his anointed one

“Let us break their chains,” they cry,

“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

Many leaders- governmental, educational, in the media- are angry with God. They don’t just want to ignore Him; they want to destroy Him and His followers.

This is increasingly true in the West as much as in countries traditionally opposed to christian beliefs.

We can see this exemplified in two high profile sporting heroes over the last twelve months.

Rugby player Israel Folau was sacked for posting a reference to a Bible verse saying adulterers, thieves and homosexuals among others, were going to hell unless they repent.

Tennis great Margaret Court has been vilified for her view that marriage should be between a man and a woman. The woman who has achieved more tennis victories than any other in history was given a very grudging recognition by Tennis Australia

We know that there are many people who resist the “chains” that the Lord puts on people, as they perceive it. They are angry at a God they don’t believe in, and oppose the values of a book they have never read.

God’s response to such people is that He firstly laughs at them, and then He rebukes them. As if we could resist the Almighty God who created who created everything by a word.

As christians we are called to love those who oppose us, to not respond to evil with more evil. This can be hard at times, but it is the most effective way of silencing those who oppose God.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to pray for those who oppose you today. Open their eyes and their hearts so they can see you as you really are. Amen.

Scripture

You have turned my mourning into dancing

You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.

Reflection

With you O Lord

There is joy

Even in the shadows

In the valley of death.

I have tasted grief

Mourning has torn my soul

But you touched me

Turning it into joy

My joy is in you Father

My hope is set on you my God

You give me reason to live

And to laugh at my enemies.

Yes mourning comes and sadness strikes

But you are my joy and my strength.

O Lord my Lord

Your name is glorious

The stars in all their majesty

Testify to your glory

Babies proclaim your praises,

Silencing the claims of satan’s horde.

Countless galaxies and planets

All created by your hand

Yet you love me, a mere man

I am tiny in the face of creation

Yet you crown me with honour

Pouring grace upon grace

O Lord, my Lord

Your name is glorious.