Judges 21:25 The World that needed a King (Life of David 1) Christmas 1

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.What happens to a people when “everyone does what is right in their own eyes”? We start in the stark closing line of Judges and follow a through-line of longing, failure, and promise that leads to the only King worth trusting. From Jacob’s prophecy that the scepter would rest with Judah to Deuteronomy’s surprising portrait of a humble ruler who copies and reads the law daily, Scripture draws the outline of a different kind of kingship—one shaped by obedience, justice, and mercy.As we move into 1 Samuel, the picture gets painfully real. Eli’s sons exploit worship, the Ark is captured, and spiritual life goes dim. Samuel stands as a faithful bridge, but the elders still demand a king “like the nations.” God grants Saul, the tall and impressive leader they wanted, and warns that taker-kings always come with a cost. The point lands close to home: we often choose what dazzles over what sanctifies, settling for control that slowly controls us.Then Advent reframes everything. Gabriel’s announcement to Mary reveals the heart of God’s plan: Jesus will sit on David’s throne and His kingdom will never end. We don’t just need a ruler; we need a righteous King who gives Himself for His people. That is why the call goes beyond admiration to allegiance. Many of us embrace Jesus as Savior while keeping Him at arm’s length as Lord. But surrender to a good King is not loss; it is freedom from bitterness, fear, and the exhaustion of self-rule. Jesus is better than Saul’s image and better than David’s best moments. He reigns with truth, dies with love, and proves that His authority heals.As we head toward Christmas, we’re asking one clear question: will we let Christ be King in our plans, our hurts, and our habits? Join us for a candid, Scripture-rich journey from Judges to David to Jesus, and consider what true kingship looks like in your life today. If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for the series on David, and leave a review to help others find the message.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch