The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1.1)
Why a shepherd boy? Who takes a farm boy from the back fields with the sheep and crowns him king? David went from grazing, roving sheep to unseen royal glory. It is easy to see that the young boy had passion for God’s glory. It went beyond a national pride or loyalty to the crown. When David was pressed by Goliath’s taunts he didn’t step out to do battle for the authority of King Saul or on behalf of the Israelite people. David did battle in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel and the One who delivers giants into the hands of youth. David set His heart toward God.
Why a carpenter’s son? Who takes the redemption of all humanity and entrusts it to a table-making, wood-shaving apprentice? But for Jesus, as He chiseled and plained, royalty flowed in His veins. He was the Son of God, eternal and divine. He was also the son of kings. David cared for God’s holiness among the nations. He cared for the glory of God’s name among the peoples. And because of David’s heart God blessed him to share in Abraham’s blessing for the nations. God placed a crown on David’s head and then promised an eternal line of royalty, not an unbroken lineage of earthly kings, but One King who would reign, is reigning and will reign forevermore: Jesus the Son of David.
Jesus, thank you for being the great everlasting King! And thank you for carrying me to the table where I can be near you and worship you with my life.