Born to Be a King
Scripture Reading — 1 Timothy 3:14-16
He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
The short song found in today’s verses was probably part of a hymn in the first-century church. It reminds us of an important fact: Jesus was born to be a king. The day he was sentenced to die Jesus told Pilate, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37).
Too often we stop singing about Jesus’ birth too quickly. We celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas day, but then we set Jesus aside like the Christmas decorations. It’s safe and easy to celebrate a baby in a manger, but it can be challenging to carry Christ’s message into the world throughout the year.
The song in Paul’s letter to Timothy teaches that Jesus, who came to earth in the flesh, proved the truth of all he said and did. (He accomplished that by dying on a cross and rising from the dead to rescue us from sin and death.) That’s good news, and there is more. After Jesus rose from death, he ascended to heaven. “All authority in heaven and on earth” now belongs to him (Matthew 28:18). Jesus was born not just to be a king, but to be the King of Glory.
Have you let Jesus become the song of your life?
Thank you, Father, that we are reminded of the great mystery you have revealed to us in Jesus. Thank you for your love that sent him to become our Savior, Lord, and King. In his name we pray. Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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