ANTICIPATING THE COMING OF THE KING

Bible Passage: Jeremiah 33:14–18, Psalm 24, Romans 13:11–14, Matthew 21:1–9

Introduction:

Stevie Wonder sang: “looking back on when I was a little nappy-headed boy. Then, my only worry was, for Christmas, what would be my toy.” In this lyrical expression we find a beautiful encapsulation of anticipation. Here’s how:

Innocent Excitement: The lyrics reflect a time in childhood when there was a pure and innocent excitement about the future. The boy isn't focused on potential disappointments or outcomes; instead, he's eagerly looking forward to the joy of receiving a new toy for Christmas. This highlights anticipation in its most delightful form—simple, carefree, and filled with joy.

Focused on the Experience: The boy’s anticipation is centered around the experience of Christmas and the excitement that builds up to the event. Unlike expectation, which often focuses on the result or what should happen, anticipation is about savoring the moment leading up to the event. The boy is enjoying the buildup to Christmas, not worrying about the exact nature of the toy he’ll receive.

Emotional Response: Anticipation evokes an emotional response; it's a feeling of eager waiting. In the lyrics, there's a sense of longing and excitement, emotions often associated with anticipation. The boy’s worry is not about something negative but rather about the delightful uncertainty of what the toy will be.

In essence, these lyrics vividly capture the essence of anticipation—an eager, joyful feeling about an upcoming event, characterized by the innocent and heartfelt excitement of a child. The anticipation here is not weighed down by specific expectations or potential disappointments, but rather, it celebrates the pure joy of looking forward to something wonderful.

Stevie finishes this statement by saying: “Even though sometimes we would not get a thing, we were happy with the joy the day would bring.”

Today is the beginning of the season of Advent. Advent is a liturgical season in the Christian calendar leading up to Christmas. It is a time of preparation and reflection on the coming of Christ, both in his nativity and his anticipated return. Advent typically involves the emotional themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

Summary: This sermon explores the anticipation of the Coming King through the prophetic declarations of Jeremiah 33:14-18 , the importance of preparing our hearts (Psalm 24 and Romans 13:11-14), and the joy of His coming as demonstrated in the triumphal entry of Jesus .

Teaching: This sermon teaches that our readiness for Christ’s return directly influences our daily lives and priorities. It emphasizes living in holiness and anticipation, reflecting the character of the coming King.

Big Idea: Prepare your hearts, for the King is coming; embrace His righteousness and His reign in your lives today.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider conducting an exegetical study on Jeremiah 33:14-18, focusing on its Messianic implications. Use Logos to explore the historical context and cross-references that shed light on how this passage aligns with Psalm 24 and its imagery of the King of Glory. Additionally, investigate how Romans 13:11-14 frames the concept of preparation in light of Christ's return, especially in understanding the ethical implications for Christian living.

Prophetic Declarations

Jeremiah 33:14–16 NASB 2020

‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch of David sprout; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety; and this is the name by which it will be called: the Lord is our righteousness.’

In Chapter 33, the LORD speaks to Jeremiah while he is imprisoned, promising restoration to Israel and Judah. He emphasizes His power as the creator and invites Jeremiah to call upon Him for revelation of great things. The LORD declares that despite the destruction caused by the Chaldeans, He will bring healing, peace, and restoration to the land. Joy and gladness will return to the cities, with celebrations of thanksgiving to the LORD. The desolate areas will again support shepherds and their flocks.

The chapter also foretells the coming of a righteous leader from David's lineage, who will bring justice and safety to Judah and Jerusalem, known as "the LORD is our righteousness." The LORD assures that David's line will continue, and the Levitical priests will always have a place before Him. He challenges the notion that He has rejected His chosen people, affirming that His covenant with day and night is unbreakable. The descendants of Jacob and David will not be forsaken, and the LORD promises to restore their fortunes and show mercy.

Jeremiah's prophecy is a promise of hope and restoration, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's covenant. This assurance encourages us to prepare our hearts by embracing the righteousness of Christ, just as he is the 'Righteous Branch' that brings salvation and justice. It is important that we align our lives with God's promises and live in anticipation of their fulfillment.

2. Prepare for the King

Psalm 24:1–6

Psalm 24:1–6 NASB 2020

The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who live in it. For He has founded it upon the seas And established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend onto the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? One who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to deceit And has not sworn deceitfully. He will receive a blessing from the Lord And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah

This Psalm is a call to holiness and purity as prerequisites for engaging with the King of Glory. It challenges us to prepare by examining our lives and seeking the purity and devotion required to stand before God. This call is like the Christian's journey of sanctification. In John Bunyan's classic allegory "The Pilgrim's Progress," the character Christian journeys to sanctification. It is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey of a believer toward holiness and unity with God. Aligning ourselves with God’s righteousness is essential to our preparation for coming before the king.

4. Proceed to Welcome the King

Psalm 24:7–10

Consider the triumphant imagery of welcoming the King. This can inspire us to open our hearts and lives to receive Christ’s presence and reign. This passage emphasizes an attitude of readiness and joy. Encouraging the congregation to elevate their spiritual gates signifies actively making room in our lives for God's glory and lordship.

5. Pursue Holiness Before his Coming

Romans 13:11–14

Perhaps discuss the urgency Paul conveys about the imminent return of Christ and our call to live as children of the day. This passage encourages actively putting on the armor of light, reflecting on how we live in anticipation of Christ’s coming transforms our priorities and actions daily.

6. Praise the King’s Entry

Matthew 21:1–9

Explore how Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem serves as a model of Christ's kingship recognized by faith. Encourage the congregation to prepare their hearts as the crowd did, welcoming Jesus with praise and recognition of His rightful reign. Stress the importance of not only celebrating but embodying this recognition through obedient and joyful living.

Conclusion:

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the Scriptures, Jesus is identified as the fulfillment of the prophetic promises made in Jeremiah and the arrival of the King depicted in Psalm 24. He is the living embodiment of God's promise to bring salvation and justice.

Application: Christians are encouraged to prepare their hearts for the Lord’s return by living in righteousness and recognizing the signs of His presence in our lives. This preparation can help them overcome spiritual apathy and engage in a more profound relationship with God.