FROM SUFFERING SERVANT TO CONQUERING KING

Jesus Christ spoke both authoritatively and truthfully concerning our inescapable and thus inevitable encounter with suffering in this life. Besides, He was the forerunner as it was for-ordained and prescribed by God the Father: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ” (John 16:33).

Furthermore, Christ was judged by God the Father to suffer for the horrific and heinous sins of the world. More specifically and precisely: past, present and future sins. What! Yes, the one and only Son of Almighty God was sent to this world to die at Calvary on a blood drenched cross. And why you ask? Well, the answer is Christ died not because of His loyal love for us, as He did and does love us, but because of His unparalleled obedience to God the Father: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

From the humiliation of a feed trough as an infant, customarily referred to as a manger, to His majesty and kingship as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! Be advised, also, that our Creator God and Architect of the Universe has stamped His Manufacturer's Seal on all, both living and lost. No doubt, this surely is something for all to take to heart: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Being symbolic of His kingship and eternal reign, His scepter rests at the peak of the mountain top. And thus; all under His rule shall realize that this eternal gift of salvation rests in the King of kings and Lord of lords. And even in the Old Testament, the book of the prophet Isaiah is replete with these factual and prophetic words that portray His cruel and unusual agony: “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider; He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. ” (Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:3-5).

He would rise from the ashes of a fiery trial that could not and would not prevail. His empowering love, meekness and low estate served as His armor and gives us hope while fueling our faithful service to Him and others. Thus, grow not weary my beloved, but seize the moment, for our bold and steadfast fight that has already rendered us victorious through the promise and courage of Christ. His bruises become our bruises because the Lion of the tribe of Judah has fulfilled Old Testament prophecy! That so-called lion who intimidates with an artificial roar, and is clothed in a costume for purposes of misleading. But, you can be assured that he is the one who, in the end, will do the bleeding: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come; And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer; these shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (1 Peter 5:7-8; Romans 8:37-38; Revelation 6:2;17:14).

For those of us who know Him, because we are known by Him and have been filled with His Spirit of truth. And thus, knowing that the Christian faith is NOT a religion, but a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With all that we have learned and have been granted, or inherited, through the agency of the Holy Ghost, we have been given a charge to faithfully, fruitfully and fearlessly follow Christ: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.” (John 16:7-11).

In conclusion, we must remain grateful having been given this glorious gift of forgiveness. Moreover, let us establish (if need be) and keep a firm and passionate grip on this undying and everlasting Word of God. He became flesh to tabernacle or divinely dwell with His people. To God be the GLORY: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).