The King Is Here - April 2022

Each year in December as we countdown to Christmas, many Christians observe Advent. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming of Jesus. Likewise, each Spring (usually in March or April) many Christians countdown to Easter by observing Lent, a period of preparation for Easter that often commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying. During the Easter season, Christians often take a journey through the gospels and internalize all that a Jesus' life represents to mankind. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb that everyone was waiting for, and by fulfilling prophecy, conquering death, and rising from the dead, Jesus earned his crown as King. 
 
There are many references in scripture that speak to either the coming of the King or refer to Jesus directly as our King. Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 43:15), Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14), and Timothy (1 Timothy 6:13-15) all speak of the coming King . Even Jacob speaks of the one whom all nations will honor. (Genesis 49:10) The New Testament teaches of Jesus birth, the growth of His ministry, and His crucifixion & resurrection. The crucifixion story reveals how Jesus was mocked and teased, and while on the cross, He was even forced to wear a crown of thorns to signify Him as "King of the Jews." When the Roman soldiers put the crown of thorns on Jesus' head, they did so as a form of insult, disgrace, and mockery. (Matthew 27:27-31) Little did they know, not only was he the king of the Jews, but he was the king of all mankind. The moment Jesus conquered death, His assignment was finished. When Jesus rose from the dead, that was Jesus' "I told you so" moment (at least I like to think so).  Jesus was sent to the Earth by God our father to bear the sin of the world, and only the true king could do that (Revelation 1:5-6). 
 
 
So, what does that mean for us today? We no longer have to wonder who the king of the world is. We no longer have to anticipate whether or not there truly is a savior who will rescue us. We live in a time where the Bible is accessible and because of that, we know who Jesus is. The Bible is something that we can carry with us, memorize, and use as the true anchor of our lives. As Believers in Jesus Christ, we don't have to wonder who our king is. Our king is here with us right now. Our king has already defeated hell. Our king takes care of us, provides for us, bears our burdens, and brings us joy. Jesus' kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:33) and because he is alive and not dead, He will rule as King for always. 
 
I'm so truly thankful that we no longer have to wonder who the king is or if he's ever coming. Our king is the king of kings and the lord of lords. He is the way to our father. (John 14:6) Our king is preparing a place for us and in time, He will be back to take us there. (John 14:2-4)  Only our king can do that!

References
Britannica. (2022, March 16). Religious Beliefs: Lent. Retrieved from Britannica Website: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lent

Christianity - Salem Web Network. (2021, November 19). What is Advent? Retrieved from Christianity.com: https://www.christianity.com/christian-life/christmas/what-is-advent.html

FaithLife Staff. (2019, October 25). Digital Discipleship - Practical Theology. Retrieved from FaithLife Blog Site: https://blog.faithlife.com/10-bible-verses-that-teach-us-jesus-is-king/

Merriam-Webster. (2022, April 1). Dictionary - King. Retrieved from Merriam-Webster Dictionary Website: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/king

Tyndale House Foundation. (1996, 2004, 2015). Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Carol Stream, Illinois. All rights reserved.: Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.