King Forever, Ceasing Never

December 31                                                                    

Scripture Reading
Read Matthew 2:1-12 and reflect on the passage.

"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." The birth of Christ shows us that the Gospel is not hopeful news for everyone. The version of Jesus we often consider at Christmas is so disconnected from the Jesus we remember on Good Friday. But the same claim to King that hung over Jesus' head on the cross was pronounced over his cradle. King Jesus brings hope to all who embrace the rule and reign of God, but is a threat to all rulers (and hearts!) set on their own power and control.

The Magi, however, find Christ and worship Him, disobeying Herod and trusting in the work that God was doing instead. Jesus' claim to rule and reign puts Him at odds with authority over and over again. For us today, the ruler we are concerned with doesn't sit on a throne in a castle, but in our hearts. We struggle, like Herod, to embrace the hope that is available in Christ. Are we willing to give up authority and control in our lives? There is great hope for us and this new year because God continues to be at work.

Here are some other ways you can reflect on this week’s focus of “King Forever, Ceasing Never”.

Question
Are there parts of your life where you need to abandon the pursuit of control and receive hope?
How can others encourage you to follow the King?
As we look to a new year, what would God have you pray for our neighbors, our city, this country, or world?

Prayer

Dear God, I ask for Your hope to fill my home. Use me, my family, and my church to bring hope to others in 2018.

                                                                                                Aaron Thompson and David White