Weekly Overview:
What a gift we have in the Christmas season. God himself took on flesh and dwelt among us that we might find eternal relationship in him. His coming serves as a continual reminder of his grace and pursuit of us who are lost without him. As we look to Jesus this week to celebrate who he is and what he’s done, may you find life-giving hope and foundational joy.
Scripture:
“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16
Devotional:
The fate of so many nations has historically rested on the strength of its leaders. From Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great to King David, we look to kings as the catalyst for either victory or defeat, success or failure.
Scripture tells us in Revelation 19:16 that we as the people of God find our fate in the One True King. Scripture says, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Isaiah 9:6-7 says,
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
This Christmas season we celebrate the truth that our lives are hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). Our fate is wrapped up in his. Our victory and success is assured because our King sits enthroned on the heavens. He is high and lifted up, and his heart is filled with steadfast love for us, his bride.
If your future feels uncertain, if your heart is filled with anxiety, look no further than your Savior on whose robe and thigh is written, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” If the furthest thing from your heart seems to be peace, look to Jesus, whom Scripture calls, “Prince of Peace.” If you feel heavy and burdened from the weight and weariness of this world, look to God, our “Wonderful Counselor.”
God’s desire is to be near to you this season. His purpose is to pull you in closely to him and remind you that you are his and he will never let you go. Sometimes all we need to get through the day is a little perspective. Sometimes all we need to experience victory over our current circumstances is to remember that Jesus has already won us.
Take time today to bring your cares and weights to the feet of the “King of kings.” Allow him to declare over you both his unceasing affection and limitless power. May you find abundant peace today in the person of Jesus.
Guided Prayer:
1. Meditate on what Scripture says about your Savior.
“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
2. What cares are weighing you down today? What’s keeping you from the abundant life Jesus came to bring you?
3. Bring your cares to Jesus in prayer. Ask him for a revelation of who you are in him. Take time to rest in his steadfast love and nearness.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
You and I are made to look to someone or something for leadership. We aren’t created to rule our own lives. If we don’t look to Jesus, we will undoubtedly look to this world, which only has the power to lead us away from abundant life in God. Where are your eyes set today? What are you looking to for provision, peace, and life? Fix your eyes on Jesus today, the “founder and perfecter” of our faith, that you might find transcendent peace and steadfast hope (Hebrews 12:2). May your day be filled with all the goodness of one who serves the “King of kings.”
Extended Reading: Revelation 19
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