Choosing Life: The Promise of the Messiah's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: The Messiah's Kingdom of Righteousness and Peace

The prophecies of the Messiah's reign reveal a kingdom characterized by righteousness, peace, and justice. This kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality that shapes our understanding of God's plan. The Messiah's reign will bring universal peace, even extending to the animal kingdom, as described by Isaiah. The vision of this kingdom is a profound reminder of the transformative power of God's rule, which transcends human understanding and brings harmony to all creation. As believers, we are called to live in anticipation of this kingdom, allowing its values to guide our actions and decisions in the present. [30:54]

Isaiah 11:6-9 (ESV): "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."

Reflection: How can you embody the values of righteousness, peace, and justice in your daily interactions, reflecting the kingdom of God in your community today?

Day 2: Understanding the Dual Role of the Messiah

The confusion among the Jews regarding the Messiah's dual role as a suffering servant and a reigning king is resolved in the understanding of two comings. The first coming fulfilled the prophecies of suffering, while the second will fulfill the prophecies of a glorious reign. This understanding removes the mystery of seemingly conflicting prophecies. By recognizing the distinct purposes of each coming, believers can appreciate the full scope of God's redemptive plan and the depth of His love for humanity. The first coming of Jesus as a suffering servant highlights His humility and sacrifice, while the anticipated second coming emphasizes His power and authority. [09:15]

Zechariah 9:9-10 (ESV): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace both the humility and authority of Jesus in your life, acknowledging His role as both servant and king?

Day 3: The Assurance of God's Eternal Kingdom

Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream illustrates the succession of earthly kingdoms leading to the eternal kingdom of God. This vision assures us that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail, bringing hope and certainty to believers. The temporary nature of human empires contrasts with the everlasting dominion of God's kingdom, which is established by the Messiah. This assurance encourages believers to place their trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that His plans will come to fruition despite the challenges and uncertainties of the present world. [21:22]

Daniel 2:44 (ESV): "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever."

Reflection: How does the certainty of God's eternal kingdom influence your perspective on current world events and personal challenges?

Day 4: The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth

Entry into God's kingdom requires a personal choice to be born again. This spiritual rebirth is essential and cannot be inherited or imposed by others. It involves a deliberate decision to believe in Jesus as the Savior. This choice is a transformative experience that redefines one's identity and purpose, aligning them with the values and mission of God's kingdom. The call to be born again is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers, marked by a renewed relationship with God and a commitment to His ways. [33:06]

John 1:12-13 (ESV): "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

Reflection: Have you made the personal decision to be born again? If so, how does this spiritual rebirth manifest in your daily life and choices?

Day 5: Choosing Life Through Belief in Jesus

The choice between life and death is set before each individual. God urges us to choose life through belief in Jesus, impacting our eternal destiny and participation in His kingdom. This choice is crucial and has profound implications for our present and future. By choosing life, believers embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers, characterized by a deep sense of purpose, peace, and joy. This decision is not merely a one-time event but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and align one's life with His teachings and example. [42:30]

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to choose life by deepening your belief in Jesus and aligning your actions with His teachings?

Sermon Summary

Psalm 72 is a profound prayer of David for his son Solomon, but it also extends into a prophetic vision of the coming King, the Messiah, who will reign forever. This vision of a future kingdom is a central theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The anticipation of this kingdom is not just a distant hope but a promise that shapes our understanding of God's plan for humanity. The prophecies concerning the Messiah's reign were a source of confusion for the Jews, as they struggled to reconcile the suffering servant with the triumphant king. However, we now understand these prophecies as referring to two comings of the Messiah: the first as a suffering servant and the second as a reigning king.

The Bible is replete with prophecies about the Messiah's glorious reign, beginning with Jacob's blessing over Judah and continuing through the Psalms and the prophets. These prophecies speak of a universal kingdom where righteousness, peace, and justice prevail. Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream further illustrates the succession of earthly kingdoms leading to the eternal kingdom of God, established by the Messiah. This kingdom will be characterized by peace, not only among humans but also within the animal kingdom, as described by Isaiah.

Entry into this kingdom is not automatic; it requires a personal choice. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth is a choice each person must make, independent of their natural birth or religious heritage. It involves believing in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. This choice determines not only our present life but also our eternal destiny.

The call to choose life over death is a recurring theme. God sets before us the choice of life through belief in Jesus, urging us to choose life so that we might live. This choice is crucial, as it impacts our eternal future and our participation in the glorious kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways

1. The prophecies of the Messiah's reign reveal a kingdom characterized by righteousness, peace, and justice. This kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality that shapes our understanding of God's plan. The Messiah's reign will bring universal peace, even extending to the animal kingdom, as described by Isaiah. [30:54]
2. The confusion among the Jews regarding the Messiah's dual role as a suffering servant and a reigning king is resolved in the understanding of two comings. The first coming fulfilled the prophecies of suffering, while the second will fulfill the prophecies of a glorious reign. This understanding removes the mystery of seemingly conflicting prophecies. [09:15]
3. Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream illustrates the succession of earthly kingdoms leading to the eternal kingdom of God. This vision assures us that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail, bringing hope and certainty to believers. [21:22]
4. Entry into God's kingdom requires a personal choice to be born again. This spiritual rebirth is essential and cannot be inherited or imposed by others. It involves a deliberate decision to believe in Jesus as the Savior. [33:06]
5. The choice between life and death is set before each individual. God urges us to choose life through belief in Jesus, impacting our eternal destiny and participation in His kingdom. This choice is crucial and has profound implications for our present and future. [42:30]
** [42:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Introduction to Psalm 72
[00:44] - Reading of Psalm 72
[03:04] - Prayer and Anticipation of the Kingdom
[04:28] - Revelation and the Seventh Trumpet
[06:20] - Prophecies of the Messiah's Reign
[09:41] - Jacob's Prophecy over Judah
[11:40] - Historical Context and Fulfillment
[13:32] - Moses and David's Prophecies
[15:01] - Psalms and the Messiah's Universal Reign
[17:24] - Daniel's Vision and Interpretation
[19:58] - The Stone and the Eternal Kingdom
[22:12] - Daniel's Vision of the Four Kingdoms
[24:19] - Jesus' Teaching on His Return
[31:45] - How to Enter the Kingdom
[39:02] - The Choice of Life or Death

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Psalm 72
Daniel 2:31-45
John 3:1-21

Observation Questions:

What are the characteristics of the kingdom described in Psalm 72, and how do they reflect the nature of the Messiah's reign? [00:44]
How does Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2 illustrate the succession of earthly kingdoms leading to the eternal kingdom of God? [21:22]
In John 3, what does Jesus explain to Nicodemus about the necessity of being "born again" to enter the kingdom of God? [32:15]
How does the sermon describe the dual role of the Messiah as both a suffering servant and a reigning king, and how does this resolve the confusion among the Jews? [09:15]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the vision of a future kingdom in Psalm 72 shape our understanding of God's plan for humanity, and what implications does it have for believers today? [00:44]
What does Daniel's vision of the stone not cut by human hands tell us about the nature and origin of God's eternal kingdom? [21:22]
How does the concept of being "born again" challenge traditional views of religious heritage and personal choice in entering God's kingdom? [32:15]
How does the sermon explain the significance of the Messiah's two comings, and what does this mean for our understanding of biblical prophecy? [09:15]

Application Questions:

Reflect on the characteristics of the Messiah's kingdom as described in Psalm 72. How can you actively pursue righteousness, peace, and justice in your daily life? [00:44]
Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream assures us of God's ultimate victory. How does this assurance impact your perspective on current world events and personal challenges? [21:22]
Jesus emphasized the necessity of being "born again" to enter the kingdom of God. Have you experienced this spiritual rebirth? If so, how has it transformed your life? If not, what steps can you take to explore this further? [32:15]
The sermon highlights the importance of personal choice in entering God's kingdom. What choices are you currently facing that could impact your spiritual journey, and how can you seek God's guidance in making them? [42:30]
The dual role of the Messiah as a suffering servant and reigning king can be difficult to reconcile. How does understanding this duality affect your faith and relationship with Jesus? [09:15]
The call to choose life over death is a recurring theme. What practical steps can you take to choose life in your daily decisions and interactions with others? [42:30]
How can you share the message of God's eternal kingdom with someone in your life who may not yet understand or believe in it? What specific actions can you take this week to engage them in a meaningful conversation? [38:15]

Sermon Clips

The Bible is filled with prophecies that speak of the glorious day of the Lord when God will establish his kingdom upon the earth and when the Messiah shall come to rule and to reign over the earth. Now these prophecies concerning the glorious reign of the Messiah became a real problem for the Jews as far as acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah. [00:06:35]

Now we understand we can see that both of the prophecies are correct, the prophecies of his being despised and rejected by the leaders and yet being made the head of the cornerstone, for we see it in his first coming but also the rest of them fulfilled in his second coming and we see the two comings of the Messiah. [00:08:40]

Daniel as he then told him what the dream meant was that God showed him the kingdoms that would rule over the earth, beginning with the Babylonian Kingdom, which was to be replaced by the Medo-Persian Kingdom, which was to be replaced by the Grecian kingdom that would be crushed by the Roman Kingdom, and the final world dominating power would be a Federation of European nations. [00:20:07]

Jesus in referring to his coming again and establishing God's kingdom said immediately after the tribulation of those days the Sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light and the stars shall fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven. [00:24:24]

Isaiah tells us that in those days the wolf will dwell with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together and a little child shall lead them and the cow and the bear will feed and their young ones will lie down together and the lion shall eat straw like an ox. [00:30:07]

One night a Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus and he said, master we know that you must have come from God because no man can do the things that you do unless God is with him and Jesus answered him and said verily verily I say unto you unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. [00:31:53]

Entering the kingdom of God is by birth but not the natural birth Jesus said that which is born of the flesh is flesh there has to be a second birth a spiritual birth. He said Marvel not that I said to you Nicodemus you must be born again you see you had no choice in your first birth. [00:33:59]

However in the second birth choice is absolutely necessary you choose to be born the second time and you have to choose to be born the second time choice is an absolute essential because your parents may have been Christians it doesn't follow that you are a Christian because your parents had you baptized when you were an infant. [00:34:59]

God said to the nation of Israel, I have set before you life and death, choose life. God has set before you today life and death but it is your choice you have been born once no choice but to be born twice takes the choice. Nicodemus confused by this said, how can I be born again when I'm old? [00:36:33]

Whosoever believes in him you see that's choice you choose to believe that he is the son of God the savior of the world are you choose not to believe but it's your choice as God said I've set before you life and death it's your choice choose life that you might live God said to be a part of God's eternal Kingdom. [00:37:43]

Jesus said that he that believes on him was not condemned but he who didn't believe you see your choice if you choose not to believe in him then you are already condemned since you haven't believed on the only begotten son of God and this is the condemnation that light has come into the world. [00:41:04]

Your choice has a dramatic impact upon your future how you are going to live the things that will transpire in this lifetime are affected tremendously by the choice that you make but more than that your eternal destiny is determined by the choice that you make God said I've set before you life or death choose life that you might live. [00:42:07]

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