Daily Devotional for Monday, November 27

David’s Coronation

“Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh,” 1 Chronicles 11:1.

Weddings are so hopeful. Every wedding that Iattend or officiate, Ifeel a sense of optimism, of new life and of a joyful looking toward the future. The (normally young) couple look each other in the eyes with promises of a long life together. Weddings give us strength and thankfulness.

David’s coronation was very similar to this. The people of Israel came together to celebrate the joining of David to the people of Israel, almost as if David was marrying the nation to become its head, its leader. He had proven his worth during the years leading up to this coronation, and now, all the people were ready to commit themselves to him as he committed himself to them. Even the language of this verse reflects the “bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh” language of Genesis 2:23. David’s rising to the throne brought great joy to the people. Unfortunately, as sometimes happens in actual marriages, this optimism faded. With David and the people of Israel, sin entered the equation on both sides, leading to many years of strife, difficulty and even war, causing these happy moments to pass. It sometimes feels like good times will not last.

David had an offspring who came to His own, who became flesh, offering Himself as King of the kingdom of Heaven. As King, Jesus joins Himself to all who will join Him by faith. His kingdom culminates in a marriage, full of celebration and feasting. And since King Jesus is without sin, and since His bride is made perfect by Him, this hope never fades, this kingdom never ends, and this moment never passes.

REFLECTION: Moments rooted in Jesus do not pass with time, but last forever. Let your joy be founded in him so that it may last.

Jason Rutherford