The Season after the Epiphany highlights the Magi’s journey to discover Yeshua, the Messiah. Truly, Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah-King proclaimed by the prophets as the star who would rise and come out of Jacob to be the glory of God’s people Israel and the light of the Gentiles. He is the Root and Descendant of David, the Bright Morning Star of beauty bright who will drive out the world’s darkness and oppression, and rule as King over God’s global kingdom.
The Scepter that would rise out of Israel would be the one whose power and glory would bring an end to the oppression of God’s people, and restore all things in justice and righteousness, under God’s reign. Jesus fulfills this prophecy, who himself is the king of glory set to rule at his second coming.
Thank you, Lord, for the sure promise of the King who is destined to reign over the earth, delivering God’s people Israel and bringing life and light to the nations. Jesus is indeed that King and that salvation! Amen.
“The New Testament begins with the assurance that all history has been moving towards Jesus Christ as its goal and that he is the final and definitive manifestation of God’s presence with his people. Matthew’s genealogy and narrative of the conception and naming of Jesus are introduced with the words ‘a record of the origin of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham’. The genealogy points to the rise and fall of the house of David in the history of Israel and implies the re-establishment of Davidic rule in the person of Jesus. As the son of David, he is the promised messianic ruler, who will rescue and restore Israel (e.g. Is. 11:1–11; Je. 23:5–6). Specifically, he comes to deliver his people ‘from their sins’ (Mt. 1:21). As the son or offspring of Abraham he is the one through whom God’s promise of universal blessing for the nations will be effected (e.g. Gn. 12:3; 17:7; 22:18; cf. Mt. 28:16–20).”
~ David G. Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. pp. 81-82.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Behold the Lamb of God, John 1.29-42
Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God
