TO THE KING
May 6th | Pastor Gino
In 1 Chronicles 11:1-2 we see David anointed as King of Israel—God’s people. There is a striking correlation to Christ in these passages. First, the people declare that they are David’s because they are of the same ‘bone & flesh’. Christ became bone and flesh that He might identify with, and save his people—us (Jn 1:14; Heb 2:14).
Next, it is declared by God that David would be the shepherd and prince (sovereign ruler) over his people. This role is fulfilled in Christ who is King over all, but especially over the people of God as we become his Body and Bride (Phil 2:10-11; Eph 5:30; Rev 21:2). Jesus is the Good Shepherd of God’s people who guides them in wisdom, and strengthens them by his presence as they listen to his voice. Likewise, Jesus leads his people, being the first to lay down his life that He might raise it up again in victory over all his enemies (John 10:11).
We could go on and on, as David represents a type or foreshadow of the Greater King to come. And as we see in 1 Chronicles 11, the people and the mighty men follow their King into battle to overcome the nations. So, how much more then should the church submit to and follow Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:23)! He has taken on our flesh (John 1:14; Heb. 2:14). He loved the church supremely as its Shepherd by laying down His life for His sheep (John 10:14–15; Eph. 5:25). He has united us to Himself as His own body, His flesh and bone (Eph. 5:30). What would it look like for us today to humbly give our allegiance and submission to King Jesus?
David’s mighty men had developed their strength and skills to a high degree, and performed remarkable feats out of love for their king. Yet, every victory was from the Lord (1 Chron 11:14). This teaches us to give all our heart and all our strength to perform our callings with excellence, and to do all things in dependent prayer and give all the glory to the Lord. How can we strive to be mighty men and women of God as we humbly follow our King?(1)
There is a wonderful scene in The Hobbit movie where King Thorin rushes out of the castle to take on the hoard. As he runs out to the front with his mighty men behind him, the shout goes out, “To The King! To The King!” Bilbo says, “The dwarf’s, they’re rallying.” And Gandalf replies, “They’re rallying to their king.” Certainly, Tolkien had Christ imagery in mind as Thorin will later die for his people as he frees them to live in glory.
May it be the desire of our own heart to ‘rally to the King’ and follow him as we put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:11) as He leads us into battle over sin, Satan, and the world. May we run the race with perseverance, looking to the King, the Author and Perfector of our faith (Heb 12:1-2). And may we endure to the end, looking forward to the glory that awaits all those who will receive the crown of life from their good and faithful King (Rev 2:10). To Him be the glory forever!
King Thorin Clip
https://youtu.be/_fl3RpPjbHc?t=114
(1) Joel R. Beeke, Michael P. V. Barrett, and Gerald M. Bilkes, eds., The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014), 574.
