Embracing the King of Glory: A Season of Reflection

Devotional

Day 1: Articulating the Worthiness of Jesus

In our journey of faith, it is essential to move beyond a superficial acknowledgment of Jesus' worthiness. We are called to delve deeper into understanding why He is worthy of all glory and honor. This involves reflecting on personal experiences where His presence has been evident, such as moments of comfort during distress or provision in times of need. By identifying a new reason each week for His worthiness, we build a life filled with testimonies that can be shared with others. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us, demonstrating why we worship and dedicate our lives to Him. [03:02]

Psalm 145:3-5 (ESV): "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

Reflection: Think of a specific instance where Jesus provided comfort or provision in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone this week to articulate His worthiness?

Day 2: The Call to Repentance and Readiness

The Feast of Trumpets serves as a powerful reminder of the unexpected return of Christ, urging believers to live in a state of repentance and readiness. This feast symbolizes a time of awakening, calling us to let go of sin, anger, and unforgiveness, and to embrace humility and reconciliation. It is a season to prepare our hearts for the coming of the King of Glory, ensuring that we are living in a way that reflects His love and peace. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and position our hearts to receive Him when He comes. [09:45]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of anger or unforgiveness? How can you take a step towards reconciliation today?

Day 3: Recognizing God's Sovereignty

The Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of a new year in the Jewish tradition, a time to remember the creation of the world and anticipate the restoration of God's kingdom on earth. It is a season to celebrate the King of Kings, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation. As believers, we are reminded that the world and all its inhabitants belong to the Lord, and we are called to live in a way that reflects His glory. This involves acknowledging His authority in our lives and submitting to His will, trusting that He is in control of all things. [15:25]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what ways can you better recognize and submit to God's sovereignty in your daily life? What changes might this require in your attitude or actions?

Day 4: Rejoicing in the Joy of the Lord

In this season of celebration, we are encouraged to rejoice in the joy of the Lord, which is our strength. As we partake in the sweetness of the season, we are reminded of the sweetness of God's Word and His promises. This is a time to celebrate His faithfulness and to prepare our hearts for His coming. By focusing on the joy that comes from knowing the Lord, we find strength to face life's challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and His promises to us. [24:58]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in the Lord today, regardless of your current circumstances? What specific promise from God's Word can you hold onto for strength?

Day 5: Preparing for the Coming of the King

As believers, we are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of the King of Glory by living in a way that reflects His love, humility, and peace. This involves repentance, celebration, and positioning our hearts to receive Him. By embracing a lifestyle of humility and service, we align ourselves with the character of Christ and become vessels of His love to the world. This preparation is not just about waiting for His return but actively participating in His kingdom work here on earth, demonstrating His love and grace to those around us. [47:02]

2 Peter 3:11-12 (ESV): "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!"

Reflection: What is one practical way you can reflect Christ's love and humility in your interactions with others today? How can you actively participate in His kingdom work in your community?

Sermon Summary

In this season of reflection and anticipation, we are called to delve deeper into the question, "Who is the King of Glory?" While the simple answer is Jesus, we are encouraged to explore the depth of this truth and understand why He is worthy of all glory and honor. This is not just about acknowledging His worthiness but articulating it through our personal testimonies. Each week, we should identify a new reason why He is worthy, whether it be His comfort in our times of distress or His provision in our times of need. This practice will fill us with testimonies that we can share with others, demonstrating why we worship and dedicate our lives to Him.

As we enter the season of the fall feasts, we are reminded of the significance of the Feast of Trumpets, a time of awakening and preparation. This feast, known as the hidden holiday, symbolizes the unexpected return of Christ, echoing the words of Jesus that no one knows the day or the hour of His coming. It is a call to repentance and readiness, urging us to let go of sin, anger, and unforgiveness, and to embrace humility and reconciliation.

The Feast of Trumpets also marks the beginning of a new year in the Jewish tradition, a time to remember the creation of the world and anticipate the restoration of God's kingdom on earth. It is a season to celebrate the King of Kings, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation. We are reminded that the world and all its inhabitants belong to the Lord, and we are called to live in a way that reflects His glory.

In this time of celebration, we are encouraged to rejoice in the joy of the Lord, which is our strength. As we partake in the sweetness of the season, we are reminded of the sweetness of God's Word and His promises. This is a time to celebrate His faithfulness and to prepare our hearts for His coming.

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding the Worthiness of Jesus: We are called to move beyond the surface acknowledgment of Jesus' worthiness and articulate why He is worthy through personal testimonies. Each week, identify a new reason for His worthiness, such as His comfort or provision, to build a life filled with testimonies that can be shared with others. [03:02]
2. The Significance of the Feast of Trumpets: This feast symbolizes the unexpected return of Christ and serves as a call to repentance and readiness. It reminds us to let go of sin and embrace humility, reconciliation, and preparation for the coming of the King of Glory. [09:45]
3. Celebrating the King of Kings: The Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of a new year and a time to remember the creation and anticipate the restoration of God's kingdom. It is a season to recognize God's sovereignty and live in a way that reflects His glory. [15:25]
4. The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength: In this season, we are encouraged to rejoice in the joy of the Lord, which is our strength. As we celebrate with sweetness, we are reminded of the sweetness of God's Word and His promises, and the importance of celebrating His faithfulness. [24:58]
5. Preparing for the Coming of the King: We are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of the King of Glory by living in a way that reflects His love, humility, and peace. This involves repentance, celebration, and positioning our hearts to receive Him. [47:02]
** [47:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Who is the King of Glory?
[03:02] - Articulating His Worthiness
[04:49] - Living in the End Times
[06:29] - The Hidden Holiday
[08:06] - The Role of the Two Witnesses
[09:45] - The Call to Wake Up
[11:36] - The Day of Atonement
[13:25] - Remembering Jesus' Return
[15:25] - The Season of the King
[17:03] - The Impact of Babylon
[19:06] - Nehemiah and the Torah
[20:59] - The Names Declaring God
[23:00] - Understanding the Torah
[24:58] - The Joy of the Lord
[26:41] - Celebrating with Sweetness
[28:38] - Communion and Celebration
[31:37] - The Word of God as Honey
[33:10] - The Importance of Celebration
[34:43] - Recognizing the King of Kings
[36:19] - The World Belongs to the Lord
[38:21] - Clean Hands and Pure Hearts
[39:14] - Declaring Cleanliness
[39:57] - Seeking the Face of God
[40:47] - Becoming Family with God
[41:24] - The King of Glory
[42:12] - The Humble King
[43:18] - The King of Love
[44:46] - Jesus' Sacrifice for All
[45:22] - Friends of God
[46:14] - Seeking the Humble Servant
[47:02] - Responding to the Season

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 24, who is described as the King of Glory, and what attributes are associated with Him?
In Nehemiah 8, what was the reaction of the people when they heard the words of the Torah, and how did Ezra and Nehemiah respond to their reaction? [24:58]
How does the Feast of Trumpets symbolize the unexpected return of Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? [09:45]
What role did the two witnesses play in the Feast of Trumpets, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about readiness? [08:06]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to articulate Jesus' worthiness through personal testimonies, and why is this important for believers? [03:02]
How does the concept of the Feast of Trumpets as a "hidden holiday" relate to the idea of being prepared for Christ's return? [06:29]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the joy of the Lord can be our strength during times of reflection and anticipation? [24:58]
How does the sermon connect the themes of repentance and readiness with the celebration of the King of Kings? [09:45]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent experience where you felt Jesus' comfort or provision. How can you share this testimony with someone this week? [03:02]
The sermon calls us to let go of sin, anger, and unforgiveness. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to embrace humility and reconciliation? [11:36]
How can you incorporate the practice of celebrating God's faithfulness into your daily routine, especially during this season of the fall feasts? [24:58]
What steps can you take to prepare your heart for the coming of the King of Glory, as discussed in the sermon? [47:02]
Consider the idea of living in a way that reflects God's glory. What is one practical change you can make in your life to better reflect His sovereignty? [15:25]
How can you use the joy of the Lord as a source of strength in your current circumstances? Identify a specific challenge you are facing and how you can apply this principle. [24:58]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for Christ's return. What is one action you can take this week to live with greater spiritual readiness? [09:45]

Sermon Clips

1) "But for those of you who are ready to go deeper why is he worthy how is he worthy what has made him worthy what is the glory in your life that you say belongs to him what is the thing what are the things in your lives in which you want to give him literally the honor the beauty the reflection of who he is that you want to pour back and say it all belongs to him and not in that false humble. way you know it's very easy oh glory be to God yeah all glory be to him it's what I mean he made me this good like you know and you're like we don't want that false humility we want to know really like if you're like someone says like well why glory be to him and you're like well because he's worthy well why is he worthy because all the glory belongs to him you don't want these circular circular arguments you need to be able to articulate that's called testimony you need to be able to say why at least one thing immediately should be on your mouth" [03:02] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "If you knew concretely that the judgment of the end of the world was going to be in five days, how would you behave differently today? What would you do? And that's what this blowing of the shofar is to awaken in us every year. Every year, it's don't hold on to it. Don't hold on to your sin. Don't hold on to your anger. Don't hold on to your bitterness. Don't hold on to your unforgiveness. Don't hold on to your offenses. Don't hold on to whatever it is. Humble yourself. Lose your face. Repent to others. Repent to God. Forgive people who haven't repented to you. It's time to be free and to be set free completely." [13:25] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "We have a king. He is alive. He is coming to establish his kingdom. There's going to be a real king of a real kingdom. This is why tales have so much power in the minds and the hearts of the world. Because there is a longing that God has put in there for us to know that we are the beloved. We are the bride. And we're waiting for the prince of princes, the king of kings, the Lord of lords to come and redeem and to establish." [17:03] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "The truth is, this is the busy time. This is the time that our spirit must be awake. It's the time that we must be prepared. It's a season for repentance because the high priest on the day of atonement would walk in and represent the whole nation for the sins committed in ignorance. Can you imagine that the things that the people don't know, like how much sin is in your life that you know? Come on, think about it. Think about your sin, the one you regretted this week, and the odd other one, and then that other one. And you know all of that sin. But what about the sin you're committing you have no idea? None. No clue that you're violating God's ways in some way." [11:36] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Who is this king of glory? The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the king of glory may come in. The Lord of hosts. He is the king of glory. So who is the king of glory? Not a trick question. All together now, who's the king of glory? Call upon his name." [42:12] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Let's not fall into the sin that Israel did in the day of Jesus as he came as the humble servant. Let's still seek the humble servant. Let's still seek that king who his glory is that he laid down his life for. His friends. But because he had no sin, death could not hold him. The grave could not hold him. And he rose from the dead gloriously. Amen? So how will you respond to this season? Don't cry. How will you rejoice? How will you repent? Remember, repentance is not confession. It's the actions you take to go back in the direction of God." [47:02] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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