Tag: The Throne

Posted on

The Throne

Daily Reading

1Kings 1-2

Daily Thought

The first words of the books of Kings, “Now King David was old and advanced in years” (1 Kings 1:1), remind us our time is temporary. The reign of David would pass on to another, to his son, Solomon, and David instructs his successor, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn’ (1Kings 2:2-3). Kings come and go because the throne is never truly their own, but God’s. 

Pay attention, though, because God promised David that, although he could not keep the throne, he could keep the throne in his family, “if your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel” (1Kings 2:4). Some did, most did not. One of two oft repeated obituaries are recorded in Scripture at the passing of a king, “he did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” and less often, “he did what was right.” Rulers do well to remember they lead at the pleasure or displeasure of God, and will be judged accordingly. Eventually, the record goes silent and the throne is empty.

Until another is born, Jesus Christ, son of David” (Matthew 1:1), Son of God. His will be an obedience “to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8), “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 1:32-33). The promise is fulfilled. 

Daily Prayer

God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, I know that You are good and You made this world good. When I follow You, I am blessed. Your discipline is good. It comes from Your love and Your desire to see me live a life of righteousness and peace.

Your correction is painful, at times, but I am glad for it.It puts me back on the right track.Do not let me become blind and deaf to the consequences of evil, but help me remember the joy of walking with You, so I will always long for it. It is good to be a citizen of the righteous and wonderful King of kings forever.

Amen

Posted on

Who’s In Charge?

Daily Reading

1Samuel 18-20

Daily Thought

Jonathan and David had many reasons not to be friends. Jonathan’s loyalty to his father tops the list. Saul was on the throne, and as his oldest son, Jonathan was next in line, but David would be king. Sure, David had killed his ten thousands (1Samuel 18:7), but Jonathan was a fierce warrior in his own right, leader of a third of the army, and had his share of victories. He had claim to the throne. Jonathan had to make a choice: Who would be king?

A tract called “The Four Spiritual Laws” uses a simple drawing to illustrate a choice we each face, the choice between two kingdoms, God’s or our own. There is only one throne on which only one can sit. Two circles represent two ways to live: the self-directed versus the Christ-directed life. In the first, self is on the throne and the circle of life is filled with discord. The other circle, the Christ-on-the-throne life, is filled with order and harmony. The choice is yours.

Saul appealed to man, he looked the part of king, handsomely standing head and shoulders above all others. David appealed to God. He had God’s heart. Jonathan could take the throne and continue the reign of Saul, of man, of me-on-the-throne. Instead, Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt (1Samuel 18:4). Like Jesus, he “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). God was on the throne of Jonathan’s life, therefore, David, the man after God’s heart, would be king.

Daily Prayer

God, as I wake up this morning, the first question I will answer is “Who is in charge of my life today?” You are. You are my King of kings and Lord of lords. There are all sorts of competitors to the throne, but none bring the peace, purity, righteousness, justice, and love of the one true God of heaven and earth. Thank You for putting my life in order, providing peace and contentment in a world of chaos.

May I follow Your ways closely and confidently, knowing they lead to a life of overflowing joy. My decisions in life reflect the one choice I have to make: who will be king? I choose to follow You, to give you my allegiance, my devotion, my worship. Each morning, I awake to a day that You have made and set before me. I shall live this day displaying the banner of my King.

Amen