Donne di Canto: For the Beauty of the Earth (Philip Stopford)
The coming of the Messiah is the coming of the great king. The long-promised son of David would come and establish an eternal kingdom. In the fullness of time, at just the right moment, he came. The King of kings and Lord of lords was born. The ancient prophecies had begun to be fulfilled.
Because he comes to a fallen world, his coming provoked different reactions.
After Jesus was born, magi from the east came seeking him. Where is he who is born king of the Jews?... We have come to worship him. (Matthew 2:1-2). They came to welcome the new king.
King Herod had a different reaction. “I am the king! This newborn so-called king is a threat to my throne!” He was so fearful that he chose to murder innocent children in hopes of killing a rival. He did not want the coming king.
We know responses like that. We might want the government's help when we are in need – but please keep your distance when things are going well. I want to live my own life. We often say the same things to God. We cry for his intervention when we need help, but then want him to quietly back away so we can be in control again.
The true King does not come to give us all of our desires. That may happen in some things, but the true King comes for something much more important. He comes to meet our deepest needs—even those we do not recognize. Because this is not always what we expect, we may have mixed reactions too. In faith, we welcome him. In sin, we may seek to delay him or push him away.
Nevertheless, our response does not negate his kingship. Herod’s schemes did not stop him. Rejection did not change who he is, nor does it change his will to save his people. Our doubts do not keep him from loving us. The King still comes to us. And God gives us his Holy Spirit to turn us toward our king, enabling us to receive him in joy and to receive his blessings.
Don’t turn from him, but receive your king with joy. He comes to bless.
The Lord is come: receive your king.