These two chapters tell the same sad story. A King dethroned and beheaded. His lineage cut off. Jonathan, the beloved friend of David, murdered by the hands of Israel's enemy, the Philistines. Their remains left and then desecrated by the Philistines. The nation of Israel weak and wounded, seemingly overcome by the Philistines.
God told them that an earthly King would lead them down a bad path. He told them that He would give them a King but it wouldn't be the same because He was supposed to be their King. The earthly King would fail. But God didn't gloat or hold it over their heads. He had a plan. Soon a shepherd boy and musician who was also a great warrior would be their King. God saw what would become of Saul and even before his demise, God was preparing David to be King. And we will see that David was not perfect, he fails time and time again, as do his descendants.
There is only one perfect King- the King of Kings. Jesus would come many years later and be the King that Israel needed. The King that we all need. And He wouldn't come as a conquering King- No, He would come as a servant. God in flesh come to claim His kingdom. Not to overcome physical kingdoms like Rome, but the ultimate enemies of sin and death. He would seem to be defeated and mocked as the "King of the Jews" on the cross but little did the disciples and spectators and kings know that the true King would rise again in power and might, conquering sin and death. This is what we celebrate at Easter: The true King coming to earth, dying a criminal's death, but then raising on the third day- establishing once and for all that He is Lord over sin and death, and through Him all things are made new. Let's celebrate and worship our King Jesus!
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only son, to make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: his wounds have paid my ransom
.JPG)
No comments:
Post a Comment