Our Advent journey begins in the Old Testament. Meet Nathan, a prophet and trusted advisor of King David. Nathan received quite a message to give to King David. It was more than a message; it was a covenant from God. This promise points to Jesus, our coming King. During Advent, we prepare not only for Christ’s first entry into our world at Christmas but his return. God’s promise speaks to every moment we wait, as well as for eternity. Jesus’ reign is forever.
When God makes a covenant with us, it can be trusted. God loves to bless his people with promises and provision. The Bible tells of several covenants God has made over the years. With Noah, God promised never to flood the whole earth again. To Moses, God gave the law that serves as a covenant between God and his people. Finally, Jesus ushers in the “New Covenant” that promises forgiveness and redemption from sin. God’s covenants give, and we receive, showing God our obedience.
King David was trying to do the right thing and show his respect for God’s presence. David wanted to upgrade God’s residence from a movable tent to something grander. And yet, God didn’t want that from David. God had other plans for David.
How often do we rush forward with our own plans without waiting for God? Admittedly, there are other times we get so caught up we even forget to ask God in the first place. David had Nathan to keep him in line. Who do we have that speaks into our lives? Who do we trust to show us the way? For me, the Holy Spirit comes to mind!
What do you think David thought when Nathan shared these words from God? “Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!” It’s hard to be disappointed you’re not the one chosen to build the temple when you receive a message like that. Did David think his success would come from his warrior triumphs? Was David’s ego tickled to think he would be the most famous of all? David never imagined his fame and renown would be because of his descendant, King Jesus. The Messiah would be known as the “Son of David.”
David’s legacy would be his lineage to Jesus, but he is also remembered for his obedience to God as a faithful king. David wasn’t without sin. He fell into many of the traps we as humans get stuck in. Yet, he sought God’s counsel many times, which is a positive example for us to follow.
It’s cool to think about how God had orchestrated our salvation so many years in advance. It was always the plan to rescue his people once and for all. God knew that once sin was let loose in the world, there would be no stopping it from devouring his people. The Bible is full of examples where godly people were misled and fell away.
Thanks to the inheritance we have received, handed down by the covenant with King David, Jesus is our forever King. We can claim our place in God’s kingdom, and this is how we do it. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Seek the will of the Father. Trust and obey Him.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for including me in your story of love and redemption. I marvel at how your plans are always so perfectly orchestrated. I don’t know what you have in store for me, but I look forward to each new day with anticipation and expectation. May the wonder of the miracle of Christmas continue to grow in my heart this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
