Acts 2:32–36

This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

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David was considered to be the greatest king in Israelite history and was deeply revered among the Jews. Even so, Jesus did something David was not able to do by raising Himself from the dead and ascending into the sky. Therefore, since David was dead and his descendants did not sit on an earthly throne in a physical kingdom, the covenant that David’s lineage and kingdom would be “established for ever” was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the “Son of David” (II Samuel 7:12–16; Luke 1:32). Peter further reinforced Jesus’ Davidic connection by quoting Psalm 110:1.

King David. Just the sound of his name caused the Jews in the first century to smile. They thought longingly of the shepherd boy who felled a giant, then of the king who helped secure peace and set up prosperity for their forefathers’ forefathers. He was the king kings wanted to be like.

They were accustomed to viewing David as the ultimate king throughout their history. But when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (David’s hometown), He claimed the reigning title of “King of kings.” David died and was buried; Jesus also died, but He rose from the grave under His own power. David’s kingdom ultimately crumbled, but the kingdom of God lasts forever. David was fully human; Jesus was both fully human and fully God. Even the most powerful principality and strongest stronghold will bow to Jesus Christ. He alone is the King of kings.

That concludes our devotional for today. Let us finish with a word of prayer.

WORD OF PRAYER

Jesus, I thank You for being the King of kings and the fulfillment of the promises made to David. You alone have conquered death, and Your kingdom reigns forever. Help me to always recognize Your sovereignty in my life and to live in the truth of Your eternal power. Lord, I ask for the strength to submit all areas of my life to You, knowing that every principality and power will one day bow to Your name. Let my life be a reflection of Your reign, and may I share the truth of Your kingdom with others.

In the name of Jesus, amen.