The Arrival of the King

The President is sometimes called the Commander in Chief. This title emphasizes the President’s role as supreme commander of the armed forces. Protection is one of the primary responsibilities of civil government. As Paul notes in Romans 13:4, God’s design is that rulers function as servants for good. They “do not bear the sword for no reason.”

In the same way, the Messianic King will protect His people. The promises in today’s reading are intended for Israel. Although Jews and Gentiles will both experience the blessing of Messiah’s reign, its primary purpose is to fulfill promises made to Israel. If God is for all people, why single Israel out? The most basic reason is that God keeps His word. He entered into a covenant of blood with Israel (v. 11). Paul explains in Romans 11:29 that God’s gifts and call are “irrevocable.” God will be faithful to His promises.

Some scholars see a partial fulfillment of these promises during the period of Alexander the Great and the 2nd Century B.C. when Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Greek ruler of the Seleucid empire, was defeated by Judas Maccabee. The full extent of the deliverance waits for the second coming. According to verse 14, the Lord will “appear,” and His arrow will “flash like lightning.” Jesus used similar imagery when speaking of His return: “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matt. 24:27).

The Lord is the defender of His people. Sometimes God empowers His people to defend themselves. The book of Esther is a good example. On other occasions, God intervenes directly and delivers His people without human effort. Either way, when you feel afraid, you can be sure that God has your back!

Pray with Us

Dr. Timothy Arens, VP and dean of Student Life, leads several teams who help students with various aspects of their life on campus. Your prayers will encourage them during this busy time, as they are getting ready for the start of another school year at Moody.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.