Based on “A Temporary King?” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 3/31-4/1/12,
Message #MB510; Daily Devotional #3 - “King of Kings”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): A temporary King? The title of this week’s message illustrates how quickly people can change. As Jesus came into Jerusalem, the people were shouting “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38) …“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) They were, in essence, saying, “Here is our King, and He has come to save us.” They were expecting Jesus to come and overthrow the Roman government to make them God's sovereign nation once again. Instead, as we know today, He came as a servant to provide the way of salvation. I have seen it over and over as people walk through a situation, expecting God to move for them in a certain way. And when it does not come about as they want or expect, they think God is not for them and turn away. They were acting as if He was their King, but in reality it was only if it pleased them. Remember the parable of the soils in Luke 8:1-15. Jesus talked about those who would believe at first, but when testing or trials would come they would fall away. This is a picture of exactly that: they were excited, but when it did not turn out the way they expected, they turned away.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): King over all? How about our own lives? It is sad to say, but Jesus has not been King over all in my life. I can point to many times I took matters into my own hands because I thought God was slow or not accomplishing the things I wanted. I can tell you the outcome was always bad. The two questions that I come back to are: 1) When God does not do what I believe He should do in a given situation, does it change anything about who He is? 2) Does it change His character in any way? Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13) Our faith or belief does not change God. He is the King over all.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): King of Kings, Lord of Lords! To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. (Deuteronomy 10:14-17) Though in the verses above God is talking to the nation of Israel, they apply to Christ followers as well. Today we must choose to inwardly place God on the throne in our hearts. And not just for some of the circumstances in our lives, but in all circumstances. Let God reign today. The best way to place God on the throne is to remember who He is. Pause for a moment and read the verses above again. Thank Him for who He is and how He has shown His love for you. Homework: I am sure you know some people who have walked away. Remind them God has not changed; He is a loving God wanting to restore them. The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7, NASB)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Isaiah 53; Matthew 6:9-13
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All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New American Standard Bible = NASB.