The Lord Reigns: An Advent Sermon Reflection

Today’s post is part of a series to help us take what we learn on Sunday into the rest of the week. These posts summarize the main points from the week’s sermon and include questions for continued reflection and prayer. The posts in this series are written by members of our church’s Adult Christian Formation team.

 

This past Sunday, our sermon texts were Isaiah 9:6-7, 42:1-4, 52:13-15, and 61:1-3. Pastor Bobby preached on Jesus as a king who was prophesied by these verses. Isaiah is a three-part book that shows us three things in its vision of a king who reigns over the world and restores it.

First, Isaiah shows our need for a king. We all desire a king, and the people of ancient Israel especially needed one. They faced God’s judgment due to injustice, oppression, and idolatry. They were promised a king who would solve these problems. More universally, human mythology often speaks of the desire that all people have for a ruler who will restore peace and justice in the land.

Second, Isaiah chapters 40 to 54 demonstrate that we’re served by the king. Contrary to the expectations of many, the king promised by God would reign through sacrifice and service. The people of Israel were promised a rescue from God, not just a set of moral demands. Jesus came to rule through serving.

Third, the final chapters of Isaiah tell us that we’re ruled by the king. In the promised age of the king’s rule, we are to be a people who reflect the light of the king. Our lives as a community are to be a compelling witness to the glory of Jesus, the king who has sacrificed himself for us.

The life of Jesus as a servant king ultimately takes the world as it is and transforms it into the world we all want.

Questions for prayer and reflection:

  1. How did the Holy Spirit speak to you through this Scripture and sermon?
  2. In your own words, how would you describe what kind of king Jesus is?
  3. What are some ways in which you desire for someone to reign over the world or over your life and make things right?
  4. What would it look like for a community to reflect the light of a king who serves? What would that community of people not be like?
  5. Do you know someone who isn’t a Christian who might be seeking the kind of kingship that Jesus has demonstrated to us?
  6. As we approach Christmas, how can you prepare your heart for the coming of a king who will bring peace and justice to the world?
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