Looking for a King
Introduction: Does it seem like to you that even today people are looking for a Political King to rule the world? And so it was in the days of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Howbeit, many because of a lack of discernment, will embrace a counterfeit King called the Antichrist. By the way, Kings and rulers come and go but there is one King who will remain forever—King Jesus!
1) The wise men (Magi) were looking for a King—the King of the Jews! (Matthew 2:1-2)—”Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?”
Like the prophets of old, these Persians long awaited the arrival of the highly anticipated coming of the King of the Jews, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Perhaps, they had read through the writings of Daniel about this King. Is He your King?
2) Balaam prophesied that there was coming a “ruler” King out of the tribe of Jacob who would come from Israel and govern the world! (Numbers 24:17)—”I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” Jesus Christ brought hope to a troubled world. Besides that, He would rule the world in righteousness, being a righteous JUDGE! Everlasting justice will finally prevail!! How will you stand before this JUDGE?
3) Isaiah shares great hope with the world because of the coming of the Messiah—Jesus Christ along with His government! (Isaiah 9:6-7)—”For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Whereas some scholars and theologians understand this passage to be a reference to Jesus Christ’s first coming, others identify this to be a declaration of His second coming. Either way—He’s coming! Compare the two.
In His first coming, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manager. However, when He comes in His second coming He will be wrapped in a vesture dipped in blood, and His name shall be called the King Of Kings and the Lord Of Lords! Do you see Him as a baby or as a King?
Next, Isaiah reflects on His reign as King. “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.” Don’t miss that. Jesus will be in control. He will “order it”! The word “order” is כּוּן, which means to establish, or to prepare. It can mean to make firm, or to set up, to fix, or even to direct. Bottom line: He will be in charge! Is He in charge of your life?
4) Daniel foretold of a counterfeit King! (Daniel 7:8, 24-25; 11:36-37)—”And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High…
And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished.” In the sovereignty of God’s economy, He allows man to choose between good and evil; i.e. the decision in the garden of Eden was an example.
Apparently, Satan’s Superman will take the world by force by deceiving many. Could you be deceived? Are you making wise choices?
5) JOHN sees and describes the real KING that will come in the future! (Revelation 19:11-16)—”And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God… And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, and Lord Of Lords.”
Finally, the real King will make His appearance, overthrow the Antichrist, establish His Kingdom, and rule and reign throughout eternity. Can you see world events unfolding preparing His entrance?
Conclusion: Get ready for the KING! He’s coming. But not before the counterfeit KING comes and misleads many. That is why we need to tell our friends, loved ones, and neighbors to “LOOK and prepare for the real ‘KING’!”
For more teaching on Bible prophecy visit the Until That Day YouTube Channel at youtube.com/untilthatday. Until That Day is an outreach ministry of New Rocky Creek Baptist Church. For the livestream of weekly services, visit facebook.com/newrockycreekbaptist every Sunday morning at 8:45 a.m. Merry Christmas to you and yours from the family of New Rocky Creek!