Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Luke 1:32, "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:"

This morning, there are those that would try to deny that Jesus is the very Christ. They admit that historically there was a man named Jesus that was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth of Galilee. However, they try to claim that He was just a man that was not a redeemer, much less the Son of God. But, some of these same people are looking for their redeemer to come the first time, but unless the man Jesus is THE Redeemer, there is no hope. For, He is the only One that is able to fulfill the prophecy of the angelic announcement.

The last statement of this verse declares that Christ will sit upon the throne of his father David. The Pharisees knew this as well, for they answered that Christ must be the son of David when our Saviour presented them that question. (Matthew 22) However, what Jew today could claim to be the son of David? What natural child of Abraham could say that they were entitled to David's throne? To do this, one would have to have some credentials, namely genealogy or lineage. He must prove that David is his father before any credence could be given to his claims. But, no Jew today can prove his birthright since the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 except One.

His genealogy is still recorded in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. There are some differences between them that are most important. Matthew 1 is the royal lineage that goes from David, through Solomon, and on through to Joseph (the adopted father of Jesus). Luke 3 goes through David's son Nathan, on to Heli (Mary's father and Joseph's father-in-law). Therefore, Jesus Christ is the actual son of David through His mother Mary. However, He is also able to sit upon David's throne without the curse of Coniah (Jeremiah 22:28-30), since He is the firstborn in the house of Joseph and adopted. Had He been Joseph's natural son, He would have been cursed. But, since He is the firstborn and adopted, He has the right to the throne without the curse and is still David's Son through Mary (seed of the woman).

Now, all of this shows the infinite wisdom of the Almighty, and the lack of records today further show that wisdom. There is no other man that can possibly be the redeemer of Israel other than the man Christ Jesus. He is David's Son, sits upon His throne, and none can now or ever stay His hand or say, "What doest thou?"

In Hope,

Bro Philip