STAND FIRM: The Epic Story of Truth (Part 10)

      As we continue to look at the singular consistent narrative that runs from the table of contents to the maps in our Bible and includes even often “fringe” subjects such as Jesus’ return, the end times, God’s continued plan for Israel and the unseen world, we began with the promise of a King of Israel and an everlasting kingdom. We’re first explicitly introduced to this promise of a descendant of David that will be King of an eternal kingdom of Israel ruled from Jerusalem in II Samuel 7. But hints begin to be introduced in Genesis 49, when Judah is told that the scepter would not depart from his descendants. The ruler from tribe of Judah continued into Numbers 24 through Balaam’s prophecy.

      The promise of this eternal Davidic King became a major theme of the prophets. We hear it directly from Isaiah, Micah and Daniel:

         • “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom…” (Isa. 9:6-7  NIV).

         • “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).

         • “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever” (Daniel 2:44).

      This coming King and kingdom was a huge concept in the Old Testament and for Jews throughout the time of the Old Testament and in the first century. We don’t talk about it a lot today in modern Christianity, well at least it doesn’t seem like we do, but every time we use the phrase “Messiah” or “Christ” we do so. The terms mean “anointed one.” Messiah is Hebrew and Christ is Greek. The idea matches what we saw in the life of David. Even while Saul was King of Israel, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. He anointed David. Then David became the “anointed one” or “promised one.” Throughout the Old Testament prophets, they merge the original promise in Gen. 3:15 of the “promised seed of woman who would defeat Satan and make all things new” with the “promised seed of Abraham who would bless the world” and then the “promised one that would be the eternal Davidic King.”

      Throughout the Gospels, we see how Jews were looking for this Promised King and Promised Kingdom. Think of all the times Jesus was asked if it was time for Him to start His kingdom.

      The people of Israel did finally recognize that Jesus could be this Promised King in how they welcomed Him into Jerusalem on what we commemorate as Palm Sunday. As He rode the donkey into the city, He was treated as the Promised King. The tune of the crowd changed quickly as, in less than a week, they were cheering for Him to be crucified. He was. The one who claimed to the Promised King and established the promised kingdom was crucified on the cross. He died.

      The idea of Him being this Promised King was highlighted as the sign that was nailed above Him on the cross, mocking His claim to be King. Think of how hopeless this situation would be for those who knew the Word of God and had been faithful to it. This One that had been promised had been killed by the people He was supposed to rule. The kingdom that once stood had fallen and still hadn’t recovered. It would appear hopeless. Yet, the prophet Daniel recorded a vision in Daniel 9 that foretold that the Messiah would be cut off. Daniel was told, “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, (Messiah) the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing...” (Dan. 9:25-26).

      In this remarkable prophecy, Daniel is told there would be a certain number of years that would pass from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah was “cut off” or as the NIV says here, “put to death.” Daniel went on to talk about the Messiah finishing His work eventually.

      Dive into the Epic Story yourself by reading II Samuel 7, Isaiah 9, Micah 5, Daniel 2, II Chronicles 36 and Luke 19.

         — Jake is a state missionary and would love to share about the work in Northwest Arkansas and encourage your church to stand firm. (standfirmministries.com)