MONDAY 5 December, 2016
Peace without End
…Of the increase of His government and peace
there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lordof hosts will perform this. - Isaiah 9:7
Solomon’s reign was peaceful but after his death his kingdom became divided. Rehoboam, his son, ruled over the southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah, while Jeroboam ruled the other ten tribes (1 Kings 12:16-17). Sadly, later in history, Solomon’s temple and the walls of Jerusalem would be destroyed. The people of Israel, along with Solomon’s riches, would be carried away into a long Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 24-25).
With this unthinkable devastation, how would God accomplish His promise to King David? Who would sit on the throne? Would there ever be a lasting peaceful reign in the future? It is important to understand that throughout the history of Israel’s kings, the royal bloodline of King David continued. In fact, the scarlet cord weaved its way gracefully through the lives of five women. Tamar, who acted as a prostitute, Rahab a prostitute by trade, cursed Moabites Ruth, the wife of Uriah and then a young virgin maid named Mary (Matthew 1:1-5,16).
Mary, poor and humble, lived in an insignificant town of Nazareth. She was betrothed to Joseph, a humble carpenter. Both Mary and Joseph’s families were linked directly to the lineage of King David (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would be born of Mary. He is God, the King of kings who will establish the throne of David forever.
Imagine, there are still so many wars troubling our world today. But, let us not be distressed; at the end of the age, Jesus Christ will reign and there will be peace without end (Isaiah 2:4).
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
~Luke 1:32~
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