The Proclamation of the King

Introduction

Today there will be about 385,000 babies born around the world. And outside of family and friend we won’t know about them. It’s just a part of life. But every once in a while there is a baby born and the whole world takes notice. As whole world waited with anticipation for the wonderful baby to be born, the world watched through media coverage for the whole pregnancy with video, pictures, news reports and finally the birth. On May 6th 2019 a worldwide event took place. Little Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born. “He is the eighth great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and is seventh in the line of succession to the British throne.” (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Mountbatten-Windsor)

For some reason we are fascinated by royalty. What will this baby boy become? He will have all the privileges this world has to offer: the finest schools, The finest dining, the best opportunities. And I’m sure we will be privy to the entire journey, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Will he sit on the throne of England? Probably not! His life isn’t long enough. More than likely he will fade in the distance as other babies are born and scandals arise. It’s not that he’s going to be a bad kid, but he’s just a kid.

Now, compare this to the birth of Jesus. Jesus came into the world not as a prince or potential King, but as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. His kingship was proclaimed and celebrated at his birth. Jesus had followers before he was born.

“If you think you’re leading, but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.” - John Maxwell

As we look at “The Proclamation of the King” this morning I would hope that you, like the wise men would fall down and worship your King.”

The Proclamation of the Heavens

Matthew 2:1–2 ESV

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

The Star of the King.

There really isn’t a prophecy about this star. The only scripture people would point to is Numbers 24:17

Numbers 24:17 ESV

17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

But this is describing Jesus, himself and not a celestial event.

Others would try to explain it through a celestial event that happens about every 800 years where Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars all line up to cause a bright light in the sky.

A celestial phenomenon rising in the East.

Some would say this was a phenomenon that happens every 800 years when Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars line up in the sky creating what looks like a brilliant Star,

This star has different characteristics than just a new light in the sky.

This star doesn’t move with the night sky. It is separate and distinct from the rest.

Matthew 2:3–9 ESV

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

A leading star.

It was low enough in the sky to rest over the location of Judah, then Bethlehem, then the house of Joseph and Mary.

Angles are depicted as stars.

Revelation 1:20 ESV

20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

A possible Heavenly Host.

Could it be the wise men saw the Angelic event that happened to the shepherds.

Luke 2:8–9 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

Luke 2:13–14 ESV

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The Proclamation of the Wise Men.

The Wise Men followed the star.

The Magi were astrologist and dignitaries from the region of Armenia, Iraq, and Iran.

When I was in Armenia traveling down to Agarock we stopped at a historic sight that the Armenians believe the Magi are from. The place is call “Carahunge” and is rock formations with holes through them that point to the skies.

It is a 1000 mile trek from Armenia to Jerusalem.

They came to Worship the King.

They didn’t come to anoint Him king.

They didn’t come to see if He was king.

They came to worship the King with treasure and gifts fit for a king.

They were convinced before they journey ever began.

They worshiped when they found the King.

Matthew 2:10–12 ESV

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Proclamation to the World

Jesus was Born King

Matthew 2:2 ESV

saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Jesus Died King

Matthew 27:37 ESV

And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Jesus Resurrected King

Philippians 2:9–11 ESV

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus is the Reigning King

Revelation 19:11–16 ESV

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Conclusion:

How do we worship and honor our King today?

James 4:10 KJV 1900

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Fall down before him in prayer and adoration.

Lift up your voice and sing his praises.

Proverbs 3:9–10 ESV

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

When you give you show worth to the Lord.

Don’t come before the Lord empty handed.