Christ the King: Justice, Compassion, and Hope in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Christ the King: The Righteous Branch Who Reigns with Justice

God promises to raise up a righteous king from David’s line who will rule with wisdom, justice, and righteousness, gathering and caring for his scattered people. In a world where leaders often fall short, this promise assures us that Jesus, our King, leads with perfect justice and compassion, bringing safety and restoration to all who trust in him. Even when we feel lost or overlooked, we can rest in the assurance that Christ gathers us, shepherds us, and calls us by name, inviting us to live under his reign of peace and righteousness. [12:04]

Jeremiah 23:1-6 (ESV)
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord. Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord. Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”

Reflection: Where in your life do you long for Christ’s justice and wise leadership to reign, and how can you invite his rule into that area today?

Day 2: God Is Our Refuge and Strength

In times of trouble and uncertainty, God is our ever-present help and fortress, inviting us to be still and know that he is God. No matter how chaotic or overwhelming life becomes, we are reminded that God’s presence is steadfast, his help is sure, and his power is greater than any fear or threat we face. When we pause, trust, and rest in him, we find the peace and courage to endure and to rejoice, knowing that God is with us and will not let us fall. [13:48]

Psalm 46:1-7, 10-11 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. ... “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed or afraid, what would it look like for you to pause and “be still” before God today?

Day 3: Christ’s Sacrifice Brings Forgiveness and Peace

Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we are reconciled to God and offered complete forgiveness, freeing us from guilt and restoring our relationship with him. This gift of grace is not something we can earn; it is given freely out of God’s love, inviting us to walk in newness of life and to share that peace with others. As we receive Christ’s forgiveness, we are called to extend mercy, let go of past wrongs, and live as people marked by God’s grace and peace. [46:40]

Luke 23:39-43 (ESV)
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Reflection: Is there a burden of guilt or a need for forgiveness you are carrying today? How can you receive Christ’s peace and extend it to someone else?

Day 4: Gratitude and Generosity in Community

We are called to express gratitude for all God has given us, not taking blessings for granted, and to share generously with those in need, especially as we gather in community. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday but a posture of the heart, leading us to acts of service, hospitality, and compassion that reflect God’s love to others. As we give thanks and give of ourselves, we become instruments of God’s joy and presence in the lives of those around us. [34:01]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can express gratitude and generosity to someone in your community this week?

Day 5: Trusting God’s Leadership and Living in Hope

We are invited to trust in God alone for our salvation, knowing that we cannot save ourselves, and to live in hope as we await Christ’s return and the fulfillment of his kingdom. In seasons of uncertainty or loss, God comes to us, carries us, and assures us of eternal life, calling us to honor him in all we do and to point others to Christ our King. This hope empowers us to serve, to persevere, and to live with confidence in God’s promises. [34:30]

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s leadership more fully, and how can you live out that trust and hope today?

Sermon Summary

On this Christ the King Sunday, we gather at the close of the church year to remember and celebrate the reign of Jesus Christ over all creation. We are reminded that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the one in whom all things hold together, and the one through whom God reconciles all things to himself. As we confess our sins and receive forgiveness, we are drawn into the reality that Christ’s kingship is not about power as the world understands it, but about sacrificial love, justice, and mercy.

The reading from Jeremiah speaks to God’s promise to raise up a righteous king from David’s line—a shepherd who will gather the scattered, bring safety, and execute justice and righteousness. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, who reigns not from a throne of gold, but from the cross, offering himself for the sake of the world. In him, we find our true refuge and strength, as Psalm 46 reminds us: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Even when the world feels unstable, we are called to be still and know that God is God, exalted among the nations.

As we look ahead to Advent and the coming holidays, we are invited to live out Christ’s kingship in our own lives—by serving others, expressing gratitude, and seeking justice and compassion in our communities. We pray for our leaders to be shaped by the values of Christ, for our families to be filled with love and thankfulness, and for our church to be a place of welcome, healing, and hope. The table of Holy Communion is open to all who believe, a sign that Christ’s kingdom is for everyone, and that his peace is meant to be shared.

We are sent out, strengthened by the body and blood of Christ, to give ourselves for others in the world. As we move into a busy season, may we remember that all we do is to honor Christ our King, pointing the world to his love and grace. May the blessing of the Triune God go with us, now and always.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ’s Kingship Is Rooted in Sacrificial Love The reign of Jesus is not marked by domination or worldly power, but by his willingness to lay down his life for others. His kingship is seen most clearly on the cross, where he reconciles us to God and to one another. This challenges us to redefine greatness and authority in our own lives, seeking to serve rather than to be served. [06:48]
2. God Gathers the Scattered and Brings Justice God’s promise through Jeremiah is to gather those who have been scattered and to raise up leaders who shepherd with justice and righteousness. In a world where many feel lost or marginalized, God’s heart is always to restore, protect, and bring people home. We are called to participate in this work, advocating for justice and caring for the vulnerable. [12:04]
3. Stillness in God Amidst Chaos Psalm 46 calls us to “be still and know that I am God,” even when the earth gives way and the mountains fall. True peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of God who is our fortress. Practicing stillness and trust in God’s sovereignty allows us to face uncertainty with courage and hope. [13:48]
4. Gratitude and Generosity as Acts of Worship As we approach Thanksgiving and the Advent season, we are reminded to express gratitude for God’s gifts and to share generously with others. Our acts of service, hospitality, and giving are not just seasonal traditions, but ways of embodying Christ’s love and pointing others to his kingdom. [34:01]
5. Communion Unites Us in Christ’s Mission The table of Holy Communion is a place where all are welcomed, forgiven, and strengthened. In receiving Christ’s body and blood, we are united with him and with one another, sent out to be his hands and feet in the world. This sacrament empowers us to live lives of self-giving love and service. [51:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:49] - Greeting and Connection
[06:07] - Online Worship and Announcements
[06:48] - Christ the King: Opening Dialogue
[07:47] - Confession and Forgiveness
[08:31] - Opening Hymn
[11:23] - First Reading: Jeremiah 23
[12:04] - Promise of a Righteous King
[12:42] - Psalm 46: God Our Refuge
[13:48] - “Be Still and Know”
[32:41] - Apostles’ Creed
[34:01] - Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
[39:52] - Welcome to Guests and Mission Moment
[43:58] - Advent and Holiday Service Opportunities
[46:40] - Sharing Christ’s Peace
[48:29] - Holy Communion Liturgy
[51:14] - The Lord’s Prayer and Invitation
[63:25] - Sending and Blessing
[63:59] - Sending Hymn and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Jeremiah 23:1-6 (ESV) — > “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord. Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord. Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”

Psalm 46:1-3, 10 (ESV) — > God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea... “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV) — > He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Observation Questions

According to Jeremiah 23:1-6, what are the characteristics of the king God promises to raise up from David’s line?
In Psalm 46, what images are used to describe God’s protection and presence with his people?
How does Colossians 1:15-20 describe the role and nature of Jesus Christ?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between Christ’s kingship and the way the world understands power? [06:48]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God is so concerned about the way leaders “shepherd” his people, according to Jeremiah? What does this reveal about God’s heart for the vulnerable?
The sermon says that Christ’s kingship is seen most clearly on the cross, not on a throne of gold. What does this say about the kind of authority Jesus exercises? [46:40]
Psalm 46 calls us to “be still and know that I am God” even when the world feels unstable. What does it look like to practice this kind of stillness and trust in God’s sovereignty in real life? [13:48]
The sermon mentions that Holy Communion is a sign that Christ’s kingdom is for everyone. How does this shape the way we view our church community and our mission in the world? [46:04]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to redefine greatness and authority by serving others rather than seeking to be served. Can you think of a specific situation this week where you could choose to serve instead of seeking recognition or control? What would that look like? [06:48]
God promises to gather the scattered and care for the lost. Who in your life or community might feel scattered, lost, or overlooked right now? What is one practical way you could reach out to them this week? [12:04]
When life feels chaotic or overwhelming, what helps you “be still and know that God is God”? Is there a practice (like prayer, silence, or worship) you want to try or return to this week? [13:48]
As we approach Thanksgiving and Advent, what is one thing you are especially grateful for? How can you express that gratitude in a way that blesses someone else? [34:01]
The sermon encourages us to pray for our leaders to be shaped by the values of Christ. Is there a leader (in your family, church, workplace, or community) you can pray for this week? What would you pray for them specifically? [34:01]
Holy Communion unites us and sends us out to serve. After receiving Communion, is there a way you feel called to be “Christ’s hands and feet” in your daily life? What is one step you can take this week to live that out? [51:14]
The pastor said, “All we do is to honor Christ our King, pointing the world to his love and grace.” Is there an area of your life where you want to be more intentional about honoring Christ? What might need to change for that to happen? [35:33]

Sermon Clips

As we give thanks this week with our families, help us to express that gratitude and take nothing for granted. Provide safe passage to those who are traveling and bless our reunions with love and joy. Lord, in your mercy, give us humility to trust in you alone for our salvation, knowing we cannot save ourselves. Thank you for being a God who comes down to where we are to carry us to yourself. We give thanks for the forgiveness of our sins and the assurance of eternal life. [00:34:03] (31 seconds) #CrossOfPeace

As we turn toward the holidays, Father, we ask that your Holy Spirit fill this place of worship, our gatherings, and our acts of service. Bless the gifts we are bringing for people in need. May they bring joy and be a symbol of your presence. Bless our musicians and volunteers as they prepare for special worship services. Strengthen our staff in this busy season. Fuel them with reminders of the good news they bring. In all we do, help us to honor you and point the world to your Son, Christ our King. [00:35:11] (33 seconds) #BlessingsInService

We continue to purchase gifts for those in need. And there's sponsoring different organizations. So, if you go out into the Gathering Place at the Welcome Center, you'll see the golden tree of giving with all the tags on them. If you're willing to take a tag and go Christmas shopping and buy some presents for children in need, we would certainly appreciate that. We're looking for volunteers, of course, to serve for all of the services coming up for Blue Christmas and Christmas Eve. You can always sign up on the church app or stop by the Gathering Place Welcome Center. [00:44:14] (33 seconds) #GoldenTreeOfGiving

This Thursday is Thanksgiving, and we have a Thanksgiving celebration in the Peel House. Victoria and I are going to be hosting this year, and so if you don't have a family to gather with for Thanksgiving, join us. We've got 40 people signed up already. We still need some people to make mashed potatoes and gravy, so we're looking for more sign-ups so we get all of the elements of the meal covered. And then we're going to be decorating gingerbread houses, too. [00:44:47] (27 seconds) #ThanksgivingFamilyGathering

There's also openings left for the Advent tea, and next Sunday is Advent wreath making. You got all that? All the things that are happening. There's a reason this is a busy time of year. For our prayers, we want to keep Amy Lou Stewart in our prayers and their family as they mourn the passing of Bill Perry. He died last week, and we're going to have a memorial service for him on December 16th at 11 o'clock. [00:45:17] (25 seconds) #AdventSeasonEvents

We have two birthdays to announce. I think they're both watching online, but Helen Baker and Yvette Roach share a birthday, November 25th, and they will both be 91 years old on that day. That's all of the announcements. If you are a guest with us this morning and are unsure if you're welcome for Holy Communion, I want to let you know you are welcome to come and receive the meal. [00:45:43] (29 seconds) #GratefulHearts

If you are a guest with us this morning and are unsure if you're welcome for Holy Communion, I want to let you know you are welcome to come and receive the meal. We believe this is Christ's table. He welcomes everyone who believes in him to receive Holy Communion. You'll come down the center aisle, kneel as you're able at the altar rail, extend your hands, allow the bread to be placed into your hand, and then take the wine or the grape juice in the center of the tray before returning to your seat by the side aisle and putting the empty glasses in the tray on your way back. [00:46:04] (28 seconds) #EveryoneWelcomeAtTheTable

We believe this is Christ's table. He welcomes everyone who believes in him to receive Holy Communion. You'll come down the center aisle, kneel as you're able at the altar rail, extend your hands, allow the bread to be placed into your hand, and then take the wine or the grape juice in the center of the tray before returning to your seat by the side aisle and putting the empty glasses in the tray on your way back. We have gluten-free wafers, too. If you need those, simply ask, and we'll come out to serve any who are unable to come forward. [00:46:12] (27 seconds) #InclusiveHolyCommunion

We have gluten-free wafers, too. If you need those, simply ask, and we'll come out to serve any who are unable to come forward. It was on that day on the cross when Jesus looked at that thief and said, Today you'll be with me in paradise. The cross is what makes peace between us and God, and we share that peace with one another now. The peace of the Lord be with you all. [00:46:32] (22 seconds) #GlutenFreeCommunion

It was on that day on the cross when Jesus looked at that thief and said, Today you'll be with me in paradise. The cross is what makes peace between us and God, and we share that peace with one another now. The peace of the Lord be with you all. Let's stand and greet one another and share Christ's peace. [00:46:40] (18 seconds) #PeaceThroughTheCross

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