April 22: THE KING IS COMING (part 1)

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8

For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past… Psalm 90:4

Stories in the Word of God parallel prophetic truths, helping us to understand God’s plan and timetable. For those of us who enjoy putting puzzles together, the enjoyment of studying the Bible increases with every discovery. Our God is truly amazing! Because of the above verses and stories like today’s, the concept of the millennial week comes into view.

One of Judah’s kings, Ahaziah, ruled only a year before he was killed. But that is another story. He was the son of Athaliah. The queen mother was wicked, even more wicked than her mother, Jezebel, had been. After Athaliah learned that her son was dead, she ruthlessly ordered the deaths of her grandsons, as they would be in line to rule next.

But Jehosheba… sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse… so that he was not killed. So he was hidden with her in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land. 2 Kings 11:2-3

Joash was a baby when his aunt rescued him. Only a few trusted people knew that the royal child was alive and hidden in the temple of God. The high priest, Jehoiada, cared for Joash and loved him like a son. He trained him and prayed to know the best time to present the rightful heir to the people. When little Joash reached the age of seven years, Jehoiada knew it was time. He made a plan and called in trusted army captains at first, to show them that Ahaziah’s youngest son was alive. On the Sabbath, surrounded by armed soldiers on every side, when God’s people were gathered at the temple, he brought out the king’s son, to everyone’s delight and joy. With the blowing of trumpets, the high priest placed the crown on the little head of the rightful king, and gave him the Testimony*; they made him king and anointed him. There was a joyful commotion with applause and shouts of “Long live the king!” (2 Kings 11:12) This living descendant of David was a sure reminder to God’s people of His promise of the Messiah still to come through David’s line. For six long years, it seemed that David’s line had been wiped out!

Now hear the launch of the New Testament: The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1)

This world is very near the end of the sixth day, according to God’s perspective. The seventh day is soon coming when Jesus Christ, the Son of David, also known as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), will come forth from the heavenly temple—as the rightful King—amid shouts and trumpets to claim His bride, just as He promised!

“I go to prepare a place for you. And . . . I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2b-3

*that is, the Law (compare Exodus 25:16,21 and Deuteronomy 31:9)