Daily Devotions
When King David’s son Solomon became king of Israel, he rode his father’s mule to the Kidron Valley near Jerusalem. There Solomon was anointed as king as a trumpet sounded and the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” The people of Israel rejoiced so loudly in their new king that “the earth was split by their noise” (1 Kings 1:40b).
Centuries later, David’s greater Son, Jesus our Lord, crossed the same Kidron Valley, riding on a donkey as He entered Jerusalem. The people hailed Him as their King and Messiah, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9b). The crowd was so great and the shouting so loud that Jesus’ enemies said, “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19b). Solomon, in his day, was enthroned as king of Israel. Unlike His ancestor Solomon, Jesus was not enthroned in Jerusalem. The Savior was arrested, tried, and condemned to death. He was led out of the city and lifted up, not on a golden throne, but on a cross. Crowned with thorns, Jesus’ kingship was mocked with the notice announcing His so-called crime: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19b) Yet by His death on the cross, Jesus conquered the devil and delivered from death all who trust in the crucified and risen King.
On the third day after Jesus’ death, God the Father raised His Son from the dead. Jesus ascended to be seated at God’s right hand “in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:20b-21a). Saints and angels rejoiced to welcome the ascended King, as our psalm foretells, “God has gone up with a shout!” Jesus is the King of kings under whose authority we now live. As we celebrate His ascension, we acknowledge His love, His lordship, and the wisdom of His reign. Yet even though He reigns in heavenly glory, He does not rule as a King who is distant or aloof from us, as some earthly kings might be. Our King is present with us in His Word and in His body and blood in His holy Supper. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him and by that authority He sends us out into the world to make disciples, to baptize and teach. As we go, we carry in our hearts the promise of our ascended, reigning, and ever-present King, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
WE PRAY: Risen and ascended King, be present in my works of love and words of witness so that others will come to know and worship You as Lord. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. How many reasons can you give for praising God?
2. Why were the people of Israel so happy for Solomon to be anointed king?
3. How is Jesus, though He is ascended to heaven, still with us in the Lord’s Supper?