Readings
Old Testament: Exodus 32:21-34
Psalm 47
Gospel: Matt. 5:11-16
New Testament: 1 Thess. 1:1-10
Devotional
Do you ever hear something so many times that the word starts to sound funny? At a certain point, it’s as if the word is lost of its meaning because of the repetitive use. Often, the phrase “Jesus is King” likely has the same effect. It’s a phrase that we hear so often we are likely to gloss over it without really considering what it even means. Pair that with the fact that a king hardly bears any cultural relevance for our particular context, and it becomes almost dismissive. Psalm 47 is here to make sure that doesn’t happen.
This Psalm is known as a kingship psalm, and, not surprisingly, it’s aim is to proclaim the kingship of God. As God’s story of redemption unfolds, we find out exactly what that means. Jesus is the true and better king that all of God’s people have been longing for. Even the best kings of Israel stumbled and proved to be imperfect leaders. But the king described in Psalm 47 exceeds whatever expectations we could have formulated for a worthy king. This king subdues all nations, including his enemies (v. 3). He sits on a holy throne (v. 9). And it isn’t just that a particular land belongs to him, but the entire world is his (v. 7). This is a king, as the psalmist exclaims, who is worthy to be praised!
If those descriptions sound familiar, it’s because Jesus reveals himself to be the king this psalm had in mind. He conquers his enemies while protecting his people. He is enthroned in the heavenly court, surrounded by cherubim praising his name. And he upholds the entire universe by the word of his power. With so much uncertainty surrounding us, we long not just for a king who is aware of our needs, but we yearn for a king who has control over all circumstances. Yes, Kanye got it correct. Jesus is that king. And what would people do in response to a good king? They would submit to his rule. Not because they were afraid of him. But because they loved him, and they knew they could trust him to care for their concerns. Despite our persistent attempts to gain control in our own lives, we have the freedom to rejoice that God doesn’t give us what we want. He gives us what we need. A king we can count on.
Hymn
The Lord is King
Prayer
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son
Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to
strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior
Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.