Too often, we leave Jesus as an adorable infant powerless in the world. Focusing on the star, shepherds, and wise men at Christmas misses the larger point. Christ is the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).
Jesus did not remain in a rustic stable. He matured into manhood and performed miracles on earth. He overcame the cross to stride through Hades as the victor, jangling the keys of freedom (Revelation 1:18). Jesus’ obedience opens access, for all who choose to accept him, into the Father’s holy presence.
Though we may not understand divine timing, we can be confident in Jesus’ supreme power to right wrongs and rule justly. Jesus ascends the throne to judge the world.
Scriptures confirm his reign. A list of 55 Old Testament prophecies about Jesus is paired with each fulfillment as recorded by the Jesus Film Project. Number 52 of the list follows:
Prophecy:
“The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:7–10).
Fulfillment:
“For God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).
More verification can be found in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus told his disciples: “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Jesus didn’t seek worldly wealth or prestige—he served. Jesus chose obedience to open the way for others to approach the Father. Jesus’ sacrifice secures our eternal victory.
No matter what hardship or devastation we face, we can be confident in the Savior Jesus. He sits beside the Father and petitions on our behalf.
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Resource:
To review all 55 prophecies by the Jesus Film Project, go to https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/old-testament-prophecies/https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/old-testament-prophecies/.
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