June 2, 2004

THE ROOT OF DAVID

"I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16, NIV).

This regal title links Jesus to David, Israel's greatest king and mightiest military hero. David, the shepherd, soldier, conqueror, and king, was a symbol of Christ, the originator, master designer, Creator, Redeemer, and sovereign of the universe.

The grand expectation of Israel was that the Messiah would come from the line of David to set up the long-awaited golden age of righteousness and peace. Christ, the Root of David, came to fulfill that expectation, but in a different way, a different time-setting, and for a different people. Now, in the appointed time, the Messiah has appeared to reign. At the end of the age, Jesus appears to inaugurate the true golden age. With regal authority, He announces Himself as the root of David. The crucial battle that was decisively won at Calvary, is now consummated. Christ has convincingly defeated Satan, and death and the grave have been swallowed up in victory (see 1 Corinthians 15:54). Jesus Christ, the root of David, the indisputable conqueror and unrivaled monarch of all creation, now appears to reign forever (see Revelation 5:13; 11:15).

By virtue of His redemptive accomplishments, Jesus can confidently declare before the universe, "I am the root and offspring of David, ... I have united humanity and divinity, and my office invests me with all the power in heaven and in earth."--The Southern Watchman, August 25, 1903.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I pledge my allegiance to You as my conqueror and king. Amen.