The Christ who was Born King (Advent 29, 2022)

Born this day in Bethlehem is the Christ, the One who was born King, to take by Divine right the throne of His father David and to rule the remnant for eternity.

“Who is the One who has been born King of the Jews?  We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  Matthew 2:2 

Anticipating the coming King of the Jews had been important since it was prophesied, Ezekiel 21:27 A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it.’ (Ezekiel. 21:27)

Jesus was rejected by those whose self-derived expectations
of what a messiah should be …
outweighed their faith in Him … as the Messiah we needed.

“12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:12-14)

As we conclude our look at the remnant through the genealogy of Jesus up to the moment of His birth, we can see His birth set in motion the fulfillment of everything the ancients passed along as words of life. 

Here’s the key: it is not just an ending as if one had to be in Jesus’ genealogy to be in the remnant.  No, it’s the beginning!  Hallelujah!

Jesus’ birth would inaugurate a new way, a new covenant, and a new beginning!  It’s not physical descendancy at all!  It’s faith that determines the remnant!  Hallelujah!

God’s remnant of faith is growing ever larger.  Soon the full number of Gentiles will be in.  The Jews chosen for faith, still looking, still waiting (hardened, with blinders on) for their Messiah will—at long last!—see Him and clearly recognize Him.  They will be grafted back into the family of God to greet their King when Jesus returns.  Hallelujah! And Amen!

20 Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.  21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

As we welcome Your birth, let us welcome Your Return!  Come, Lord Jesus.