Jesus: Our Eternal King of Love and Hope
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of Jesus as our eternal King, drawing from Psalm 89. We began by emphasizing the importance of children's ministry, reflecting Jesus' own heart for the least of these. This led us into a discussion about leadership, using the analogy of the Lion King to illustrate how good and bad leadership can transform a kingdom. We then delved into Psalm 89, which starts with the good news of King David and transitions to the greater news of King Jesus. The Psalmist, Ethan the Ezraite, expresses unwavering trust in God's steadfast love and faithfulness, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
We identified three key responses to Jesus' kingship: trusting His unfailing love, anticipating His undefeated rule, and having hope in uncertain times. Ethan's wisdom and conviction in God's promises serve as a model for us. He was so convinced of God's love that he couldn't help but share it, much like how we should be eager to share the gospel. The covenant with David, fulfilled in Jesus, assures us of God's enduring love and faithfulness.
We also discussed the anticipation of Jesus' undefeated rule. Unlike earthly leaders who have wins and losses, Jesus is the victorious King who defeats all His enemies, including sin and death. This gives us a "gospel chill," a peace that comes from knowing the end of the story. Even in the face of personal and global chaos, Jesus' reign brings order and hope.
Finally, we addressed the hope we can have in uncertain times. The Psalmist's lament in Psalm 89 reflects our own doubts and fears, but it ultimately points us back to the faithfulness of God. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate proof of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. Even when it seems like God is silent or distant, we can trust that He is working all things for our good and His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in Jesus' Unfailing Love: Ethan the Ezraite begins Psalm 89 with a declaration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to us. When we are convinced of this love, we can't help but share it with others, making it known to all generations. [34:11]
2. Anticipate Jesus' Undefeated Rule: Jesus is the victorious King who defeats all His enemies, including sin and death. Unlike earthly leaders who have wins and losses, Jesus always wins. This gives us a profound peace, knowing that no matter what we face, our King has already secured the ultimate victory. [45:12]
3. Hope in Uncertain Times: The Psalmist's lament in Psalm 89 reflects our own doubts and fears, but it ultimately points us back to the faithfulness of God. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate proof of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. Even when it seems like God is silent or distant, we can trust that He is working all things for our good and His glory. [58:10]
4. Jesus' Reign Brings Order to Chaos: Jesus has power over all chaos, whether it's the chaos of our personal lives or the broader chaos in the world. His reign brings order, peace, and hope. Knowing that Jesus is in control allows us to face life's challenges with confidence and calm. [50:20]
5. Jesus' Eternal Reign: Unlike earthly rulers who are term-limited or can be voted out, Jesus' reign is eternal. This gives us constant hope, knowing that our King will rule forever. Every problem and pain in this world is fleeting, but Jesus' love and faithfulness endure forever. [51:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:56] - Importance of Children's Ministry
[29:29] - Lion King Analogy
[30:00] - Good vs. Bad Leadership
[31:02] - Psalm 89 Overview
[31:35] - Good News of King David
[32:06] - Greater News of King Jesus
[33:10] - Trust in Jesus' Unfailing Love
[34:11] - Ethan the Ezraite's Wisdom
[36:17] - God's Covenant with David
[37:20] - Fulfillment in Jesus
[38:23] - Sharing the Gospel
[39:26] - Jesus' Reign in Psalm 89
[40:27] - Anticipate Jesus' Undefeated Rule
[45:12] - Jesus' Victory Over Enemies
[50:20] - Jesus' Power Over Chaos
[51:50] - Jesus' Eternal Reign
[58:10] - Hope in Uncertain Times
[59:51] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 89:1-4 (ESV)
> I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’”
2. 2 Samuel 7:16 (ESV)
> And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.
3. Matthew 1:1 (ESV)
> The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ethan the Ezraite declare about God's love and faithfulness in Psalm 89:1-4? How does he express his conviction? [34:11]
2. According to 2 Samuel 7:16, what promise did God make to David regarding his kingdom and throne? How is this promise significant? [36:49]
3. How does the genealogy in Matthew 1:1 connect Jesus to King David? Why is this connection important for understanding Jesus' kingship? [37:52]
4. In the sermon, what analogy is used to illustrate the impact of good and bad leadership? How does this relate to the kingship of Jesus? [30:00]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Ethan's declaration in Psalm 89:1-4 serve as a model for our own trust in God's love and faithfulness? What can we learn from his example? [34:11]
2. What does the promise in 2 Samuel 7:16 reveal about God's long-term plan for His people? How does this promise find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus? [36:49]
3. Why is it significant that Jesus is connected to David through the genealogy in Matthew 1:1? How does this fulfill the covenant made with David? [37:52]
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus' reign brings order to chaos. How does this concept provide comfort and hope in our personal and global challenges? [50:20]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's unfailing love. How did it impact your faith and actions? How can you share this love with others in your daily life? [34:11]
2. In what ways can you anticipate Jesus' undefeated rule in your current circumstances? How does knowing that Jesus has already secured the ultimate victory influence your outlook on life's challenges? [45:12]
3. When facing uncertain times, how can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness as demonstrated through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your hope? [58:10]
4. Think about a chaotic situation you are currently dealing with. How can you invite Jesus' reign into that chaos to bring order and peace? What specific actions can you take to trust in His control? [50:20]
5. Jesus' eternal reign assures us that every problem and pain in this world is fleeting. How can this truth help you navigate difficult news or personal struggles? What scripture or prayer can you turn to for comfort? [51:50]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of children's ministry. How can you personally contribute to nurturing the faith of the younger generation in your church or community? [28:56]
7. How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel with those around you, especially in everyday situations like at work, with family, or in your neighborhood? What specific steps will you take this week? [38:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in Jesus' Unfailing Love
Description: Psalm 89 begins with Ethan the Ezraite's declaration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to humanity. When believers are convinced of this love, they are compelled to share it with others, making it known to all generations. This profound love is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that transforms lives and communities. [34:11]
Psalm 89:1-2 (ESV): "I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, 'Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by God's love. How can you share that experience with someone in your life today?
Day 2: Anticipate Jesus' Undefeated Rule
Description: Jesus is the victorious King who defeats all His enemies, including sin and death. Unlike earthly leaders who experience both victories and defeats, Jesus always wins. This assurance provides believers with a profound peace, knowing that no matter what challenges they face, their King has already secured the ultimate victory. This "gospel chill" allows Christians to live with confidence and hope, even in the midst of life's uncertainties. [45:12]
1 Corinthians 15:25-26 (ESV): "For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death."
Reflection: What current challenge or fear can you surrender to Jesus, trusting in His ultimate victory over it?
Day 3: Hope in Uncertain Times
Description: The Psalmist's lament in Psalm 89 reflects the doubts and fears that many believers experience. However, this lament ultimately points back to the faithfulness of God. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate proof of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. Even when it seems like God is silent or distant, believers can trust that He is working all things for their good and His glory. This hope anchors the soul in times of uncertainty and turmoil. [58:10]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel God is silent? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in that area today?
Day 4: Jesus' Reign Brings Order to Chaos
Description: Jesus has power over all chaos, whether it is the chaos of personal lives or the broader chaos in the world. His reign brings order, peace, and hope. Knowing that Jesus is in control allows believers to face life's challenges with confidence and calm. This assurance is not just for the future but is a present reality that transforms how Christians live and respond to the world's uncertainties. [50:20]
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: Identify a chaotic situation in your life. How can you invite Jesus to bring His order and peace into that situation today?
Day 5: Jesus' Eternal Reign
Description: Unlike earthly rulers who are term-limited or can be voted out, Jesus' reign is eternal. This gives believers constant hope, knowing that their King will rule forever. Every problem and pain in this world is fleeting, but Jesus' love and faithfulness endure forever. This eternal perspective helps Christians to navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that their ultimate hope is secure in Christ. [51:50]
Hebrews 1:8 (ESV): "But of the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.'"
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus' reign is eternal change the way you view your current struggles? What steps can you take to live with this eternal perspective today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Kids matter to me because kids matter to Jesus. And they should matter to you, too. Amen." [28:56] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because Jesus is king, we can trust his unfailing love. Because Jesus is king, we can anticipate his undefeated rule. And then number three, because Jesus is king, we can have hope in uncertain times." [33:10] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is why, like the Psalmist, you and I, we can be convinced of God's love. So much so that we can't help but make it known to all generations. That's why we have Radiant Kids. Because Radiant Church is so convinced of God's love that Radiant Church knows it is your calling to make it known to all generations, including the youngest." [38:23] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is worth sharing with your neighbor. Jesus is worth proclaiming to your coworker. Jesus is worth bringing up at awkward holiday dinners with your family. Jesus is worth sharing at the playground while your kids play." [39:26] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is the one in the whole world who can sing that song all I do is win, win, win, no matter what. Only Jesus. Jesus, he doesn't have losses. He only has wins. If you played checkers with Jesus, he would win every time. Even when it looked like Jesus was losing when he was beaten, arrested, nailed to a cross, in that moment Jesus, he was still winning." [44:11] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Psalm 89 closes with lament, sadness, as the psalmist looks around him and he sees a world that looks more like Scar's world and less like Mufasa's world. And he starts to think, is God really doing what he said that he's going to do? God made all of these great promises. Are those true? Is God really going to follow through? Is God really good? And he concludes after 52 verses, yes, God can be trusted. With blessed be the name of the Lord forever." [32:06] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is the king in verse 9, ruling over the raging sea, silencing it with his gentle strength. Jesus is the creator of the north and the south in verse 12, stepping into the world that he created in humility to save it. Jesus is the mighty arm of God in verse 13, defeating sin forever with his death and his resurrection. Jesus sits on the throne of justice and righteousness in verse 14." [39:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus rules over chaos. And he has power over your chaos too. The chaos of 36-hour shifts in the ICU. The chaos of holidays with kids, going on summer trips. We just did that. The chaos of marriage, the chaos of parenting, the chaos of college. Jesus has power over that." [50:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus, he won't be turned... Term limited. Jesus, he will not be voted out. Jesus, he will not leave you high and dry when times get tough. We can anticipate that the forever reign of King Jesus is going to last forever. Forever is such a big word that we can't really comprehend that. Everything in our finite minds has an end. But when we're in heaven in a one billion years, Jesus will still have eternity in front of him as king, as sovereign ruler. Forever." [51:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Because Jesus is king, we can have hope in times of uncertainty. Because Jesus is king, we can trust that he has the power to deliver souls. He's the proof of God's steadfast love, his faithfulness. Jesus is why, even in the midst of uncertainty, even as he asks really hard questions, the psalmist closes out with this. Verse 52, a song of praise. He writes this, blessed be the Lord God forever. Amen and amen." [59:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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