In The Calling Of His Beloved Son.

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” Matthew 1:1 (NIV)

With these profound words, God breaks four hundred years of silence with the people of Israel. He boldly declares, “Welcome!” Who are we to welcome?

The Messiah—Jesus Christ! The Son of David! The Son of Abraham! But what does it mean to be the Son of David? What does it mean to be the Son of Abraham?

To be the Son of David is to grasp the glorious promise of unchanging mercy; it is the lineage of the king – the eternal throne! (Isaiah 55:3) To be the Son of Abraham signifies the everlasting covenant – a covenant bursting with promises! (Galatians 3:16)

What’s truly fascinating is how God, in desire to restore His relationship with humanity, starts by reestablishing the root of Jesse! The restoration of the connection with God begins with the introduction of Jesus Christ! This announcement is a bold and loud declaration of who He is!

Throughout Israel’s history, we see astonishing examples of God’s redemptive work. It always starts with the returning of people to God and rebuilding of the place of worship. The return from seventy years of Babylonian captivity began with the rise of two remarkable leaders —Zerubbabel and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. The books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra narrate these events, portraying Zerubbabel as the governor of Judah and Joshua as the high priest. Let’s take a closer look at Zerubbabel.

Who was this man? What did he signify to the Jewish people? What were his accomplishments? Zerubbabel was a direct descendant of Shealtiel and the grandson of King Jeconiah, rooted in the family tree of King David! He was not only a part of David’s line but also played a crucial role in restoring the Davidic throne. Appointed by King Darius (Haggai 1:1), Zerubbabel had one monumental task: to rebuild the temple and reinstate the sacred services. Being a descendant of David meant part of an unshakable dynasty of King David! God did not just identify a capable leader for challenging times; He appointed someone with rock-solid promises and authority. This was the man chosen to govern Judah – King Cyrus freed him and empowered, granting him access to the gold and silver that belonged to the Lord. God’s plan was that the hands of David’s descendant would touch the ruins of His temple!

David envisioned the temple and gathered treasures for its construction. Solomon built this glorious house. Zerubbabel restored it after Nebuchadnezzar’s devastation! The Gospel of Matthew introduces to us a new descendant of David—Jesus Christ – who proclaimed, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19). And He did!

God promised David that his lineage would forever occupy the throne. Jesus, our Messiah, belongs to this royal line. Zerubbabel was a vital link in the genealogy that culminated in Him!

Now, through Jesus Christ, we are grafted into this royal family! Christ is our King, and He has all power and authority in heaven and on earth. We are under His supreme authority. He has entrusted us with His power to act on earth, advancing and strengthening God’s Kingdom! The Lord calls Zerubbabel a signet ring (Haggai 2:23)! The amazing truth is that God has chosen us for the glorious task of constructing His temple here on earth – a place of worship in spirit and truth!

“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16

“O Lord, help us grasp the beauty and significance of being part of the royal lineage of Jesus Christ! Under Your authority and Your signet ring, I surrender every concern that troubles my heart today! Grant me the obedience necessary to build Your temple! Amen.”