Rejoice, the Lord is King
The immense step from the Babe at Bethlehem to the living, reigning triumphant Lord Jesus, returning to earth for his own people–that is the glorious truth proclaimed throughout Scripture. As the bells ring out the joys of Christmas, may we also be alert for the final trumpet that will announce his return, when we shall always be with Him.
Alan Redpath (Evangelist and Former President of Moody Bible Institute
This weekend I had the privilege of preaching about the three roles (sometimes called offices) that Jesus fulfilled as Messiah — prophet, priest, and king. In his role as a prophet, Jesus provides insight into God’s word. Moses prophesied that someday Jesus would fulfill this role [Deuteronomy 28:15], and Peter testified to his Jewish brothers that Jesus fulfilled this role as the word became flesh [Acts 3:22].
Jesus also fulfills the role of a priest as the mediator between God and man. [I Timothy 2:5] Christ’s priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood. The writer of Hebrews states that Jesus was “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” The writer of Hebrews goes on to write that Jesus’ priesthood was unique — “He offered up Himself” once for the forgiveness of our sins. [Hebrews 7:27] Jesus’ priesthood led to an intimacy and empathy with and from Him that allows us to confidently “draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:14-16]
We see in scripture that Jesus also fulfills the role of King. Gabriel clues Mary in to the role of Jesus as king when he gives her the news that she will be his mother — “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end.” [Luke 2:32-33] In the gospels we see Jesus mention to His disciples about His authority over everyone and everything [Matthew 28:18]. As King He even had victory over the grave and provided eternal life to those who trust in Him. [I Corinthians 15:54-57]
Jesus has met all our needs, leading us to His word, mediating on our behalf with the Father, delivering us from our sins, and guiding us into a relationship with Him that will last for eternity. As we think about what he has done it should lead us to rejoice. We should be overwhelmed by the hope found in Him, His love for us, and the authentic joy that He alone provides as a blessing in our daily lives.
Charles Wesley responded to the overwhelming work of Jesus Christ in his life when he wrote the hymn Rejoice the Lord in King. I think he sums up the appropriate response to the life-changing relationship we have with King Jesus . . .
The Lord, our Savior reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains,
He took his seat above;
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
So, as you walk through your day spend time thinking about how God has played these roles in your life. Then take some time to thank him for what he has done celebrating the joy that is only available through Him, or in Wesley’s words — Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Pastor Chuck