Our scripture readings for this week include: 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16; Psalm 89:1–5, 19–29; Romans 16:25–27; and Luke 1:26–38. My hope is that these short reviews of each passage will work like an Advent devotional this year. Also when these passages are read on Sunday we will all have a better understanding of the text and what praising God should look and sound like because of them.
Readings for the Fourth Week of Advent
Quick Review: What in the world is happening in 2 Samuel 7? Nathan, a prophet and close friend of David shows up and the King wants to share with this messenger of God his big idea. “I am going to build God has house because my house is better than the tent that we reserve for him.“ Nathan thinks that is a good idea. That is until the Lord speaks to him with a message for King David. What is that message?
“David, you want to busy yourself building a house for me? What do you think I am doing over here? I am building you a house. A house of kings that will last forever. David, your throne will go on forever and the people that you rule over will continue forever.“ And in the words of a very smart person, “Forever is a very long time.“
That is a big promise/covenant. No human kingdom lasts forever. No people group lasts forever. Both change from one generation to the next. And might I add that there is not one from David’s line in charge right now is there? Why, yes there is.
This promise is important for a couple of big reasons.
It is the last covenant God makes before the New Covenant.
He is going to fulfil this covenant in the same way that all the promises of God are completed. In Jesus.
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
As the 2 Samuel passage shows us that God faithfulness to his people and to their King has been a constant and continual faithfulness. Jesus is the final proof that that faithfulness can and will continue forever.
Psalm 89 then is an extended song of praise concerning this very promise.
[28] My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,
and my covenant will stand firm for him.
[29] I will establish his offspring forever
and his throne as the days of the heavens.
(Psalm 89:28–29)
That forever King in his forever Kingdom which forever blesses his people is right now. Though we all know it is not experienced by us in the fullest way right now either. At Jesus’ first Advent we saw this King enter the city in a king-like fashion. In fact that is what we heard our first week of this season.
At his second arrival this Kingdom will be fully seen and known. Those who have been redeemed by Jesus, those who have trusted in Christ alone for their salvation will be there singing of the steadfast love of the Lord.