And because ### was a descendant of King David, he had to go to ### in Judea, David's ancient home [for the census]. He traveled there from the village of ### in Galilee. He took with him ###, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
—Luke 2:4-5 NLT
Bethlehem may not have been much of a village in Jesus' day, but it was King David's village. More importantly, Luke helps us establish a link in Jesus' heritage to King David. Jesus, however, is not just any successor of David; he is THE successor. Jesus is the one who reigns on David's throne forever! Even before Jesus arrived on the scene, his identity and his role had been revealed for us: [1] He would be King! The issue for you and me is whether we allow him to be King of our lives.
[1] Luke 1:32.
Almighty God and loving Father, I want Jesus to rule over my heart. I want him to be Lord of my passions. I want him to redeem the weak, broken, and unholy parts of my character. I want him to be Master of my future. Father, I don't want these flawed parts of my character to weigh me down in my pursuit of Christ-likeness. I know that my spiritual maturity will never be fully realized until I truly let Jesus rule my life. Please shape me and mold me, Lord Jesus, so that just as you obeyed your Father's will, I can learn to do the same. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 2:4-5 NLT
Key Thought
Bethlehem may not have been much of a village in Jesus' day, but it was King David's village. More importantly, Luke helps us establish a link in Jesus' heritage to King David. Jesus, however, is not just any successor of David; he is THE successor. Jesus is the one who reigns on David's throne forever! Even before Jesus arrived on the scene, his identity and his role had been revealed for us: [1] He would be King! The issue for you and me is whether we allow him to be King of our lives.
[1] Luke 1:32.
Today's Prayer
Almighty God and loving Father, I want Jesus to rule over my heart. I want him to be Lord of my passions. I want him to redeem the weak, broken, and unholy parts of my character. I want him to be Master of my future. Father, I don't want these flawed parts of my character to weigh me down in my pursuit of Christ-likeness. I know that my spiritual maturity will never be fully realized until I truly let Jesus rule my life. Please shape me and mold me, Lord Jesus, so that just as you obeyed your Father's will, I can learn to do the same. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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