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Devotional by Thomas A. Tarrants.

Image: A contemporary of Isaiah, the Assyrian king Sennacherib is depicted in this wall panel relief from the South West Palace of Nineveh. Sennacherib surveys Hebrew captives from the biblical siege of Lachish while sitting atop an ivory throne engraved with 12 figures. In his victory prism, Sennacherib refers to himself as “king of the world,” having received tribute from kings such as Hezekiah of Judah. On January 22, 680 BC Sennacherib was assassinated, and eventually even his face was scratched off from the palace relief.

Yesterday’s reading highlighted the wonderful characteristics of the divine Messiah whom God would send into the world. Today’s reading highlights some of Messiah’s wonderful works. First to note is that the Messiah would fulfill God’s promise to David—a descendant who would reign on his throne forever. It would take centuries, but God’s word would come to pass.

God’s people would have to wait on Him to act and would have to trust His faithfulness in spite of difficult and confusing times that would challenge their faith. Generation after generation would see kingdoms rise and fall, but no Messiah. They would daily experience the evil and injustice of the fallen world, along with the pain, suffering and death that follow in their wake, yet no Messiah.

But a new world was coming, a world ruled by Messiah—the kingdom of our God and His Christ. A world where love,
peace, justice, and righteousness are not partial and fleeting but complete and permanent. The coming of this world was the central message of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, and it began like a tiny mustard seed with His first advent. He proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Jesus invited one and all to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:29). His kingdom will come to completion at His second advent, which could occur anytime.

Over the centuries many have entered God’s kingdom by turning from their sins, trusting Jesus as Savior, and following Him as Lord. Have you trusted your life to Him and turned from your sins? Do you have eternal life? Are you a new creation in Christ?