"Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham" (Matthew 1:1).  "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16).

Lots of gift items are on sale right now and stores vie for business. The internet is also alluring to the savvy shopper this holiday season.  Our newspaper is regularly stuffed with sales fliers. For the careful consumer an important consideration for many purchases is the type of guarantee an item has. On some items I have seen a "lifetime guarantee" and I suppose you would have to read the fine print to find out just what is meant by "lifetime"!

But the most remarkable guarantee I ever recall seeing was written on the packaging of a tool set with this incredible claim: "Guaranteed Forever." It was kind of humorous since it appeared to be the rather cheap, massively produced stuff that normally breaks the first time you actually use it.  But it did get me thinking.  What is guaranteed forever?

I have been seeking to glean encouragement from the genealogy of Christ these last couple of days and today I want to consider again the opening words of Matthew. Yesterday we examined the significance of the designation "son of Abraham" in regard to Christ.* Today I want to consider just the phrase, "Jesus Christ the son of David."

David and Abraham both received covenant promises in regard to their offspring. Today's verse concludes a prophetic message from the Lord concerning David (2 Samuel 7:5-16).

How were devout Jews to interpret this promise as well as serious students of Scripture throughout the ages? After all, about 400 years after David lived the nation was taken into captivity and the earthly aspect of his kingdom ceased. In fact even after the Jews returned from Babylon there is no record of the monarchy being reestablished and neither has it been to this day.

Devout Jews recognized this as a Messianic prophesy. This is clear from the context. Indeed through David's offspring, Jesus Christ, his house and kingdom has endured and will endure forever. This truth is further emphasized; "Your throne will be established forever."

This great promise brings wonderful assurance today. So much seems unstable and uncertain. We wonder, what's next? Some of you are being battered about with issues in your own life. We can all sense the travails of the fallen creation. But our focus must be on the ever enduring Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Indeed it is guaranteed forever!

In the angelic announcement to Mary prior to her miraculous conception we read these remarkable words concerning Jesus, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:30-33).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, Scripture records that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what You have prepared for those who love You.  So I guess that means that even in our most vivid and God-inspired dreams we can't begin to imagine all the joys and surprises that await us when we cross to the other side.  It is there that we will join other ransomed souls around Your throne where Your kingdom which has no end and You will reign forever and ever….Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!   Hal-le-lu-jah!!!

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Brooksyne's Note:  For weeks now, words from Handel's Messiah have been going over and over in my mind – most particularly the words, "And He shall reign forever and ever!"  Then these words brought the Scripture to my mind "And of His kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:33).  Now, if you couldn't think of anything to praise God for on this day, just consider this Scripture of present hope and future blessing.  It will lighten your step and brighten your smile today!

Stephen has insisted that we use the photo in today's encouragement.  This is a "good" expressive photo of me directing the choir last Saturday evening.  The choir is not actually singing Handel's Messiah but there were several very exciting numbers that express joy at Christ's birth and great enthusiasm about going and telling ev'rybody that Jesus is born!  I still get excited about that essential happening, don't you!  The 60 minute dramatic musical "Jesus Our Treasure" will be presented again on Saturday evening at 7 PM and Sunday morning at 10:15 AM in Mount Joy.  If you're in the Lancaster County PA area and are interested in more information just email us for directions, etc.

Here's an audio clip of Handel's Messiah Hallelujah chorus

* Yesterday's encouragement: "The Son of Abraham"