Thoughts on the Lectionary Readings for "Christ the King" 2024

This final Sunday of the church year offers us a rich tapestry of scripture that invites us to contemplate the nature of Christ’s kingship and its profound implications for our lives.

Our Old Testament reading from 2 Samuel 23:1-7 presents the “last words of David.” Here, we find a poetic reflection on righteous leadership and the enduring covenant between God and David’s house. Although attributed to David, scholars suggest that this passage was likely composed or edited during the exilic or post-exilic period, when Israel grappled with questions of identity and hope amid a national crisis. The passage unfolds in a structured format: an introduction establishing David’s identity as the “son of Jesse,” the anointed one whom God exalted; David’s assertion that his words are inspired by the Spirit of God; a description of the ideal ruler who governs justly and reverently, bringing life and renewal like the morning light and rain; a reflection on the everlasting covenant with God, portraying it as secure and life-giving; and a depiction of the wicked as thorns to be discarded and destroyed.

This passage emphasizes several vital theological themes. The divine covenant assures the prosperity and continuation of David’s lineage, carrying messianic implications that Christians later see fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The ideal kingship is portrayed as a just ruler, reverent before God, who brings renewal to the people—setting a standard for leadership grounded in divine principles. David’s claim that his words are inspired underscores that legitimate leadership is sanctioned by God. The fate of the godless serves as a reminder of divine justice. In the historical context, these words likely served to reinforce the legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty during times of uncertainty, offering hope for restoration and emphasizing that true authority comes from adherence to God’s will.

Our psalm for today, Psalm 132:1-13 (14-19), is a powerful reminder of the deep bonds between God, David, and the people of Israel. Part of the “Songs of Ascents,” this psalm was traditionally associated with pilgrimages to Jerusalem and centers on themes of the divine promise, the Davidic covenant, and the establishment of Zion as God’s chosen dwelling place. The psalm can be divided into two main sections: a petition for God to remember David’s hardships and his vow to find a dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, and God’s response affirming the covenant with David and promising that his descendants will continue on the throne if they remain faithful. This psalm reinforces the Davidic covenant by highlighting the mutual commitments between God and David. It celebrates Zion as God’s chosen dwelling, emphasizing Jerusalem’s theological and cultural significance. The community profoundly trusts God’s unchanging nature, reflecting their aspirations for stability, divine favor, and fulfilling God’s promises.

Turning to the New Testament, Revelation 1:4b-8 is a powerful introduction to the Book of Revelation. Written during a time when early Christians faced persecution under Roman rule, this passage offers encouragement and affirms the ultimate triumph of divine justice. Key elements include a salutation from the eternal God, emphasizing God’s timeless and unchanging nature; titles of Jesus as the “faithful witness,” “firstborn of the dead,” and “ruler of the kings of the earth,” highlighting his authority and role in salvation; a doxology acknowledging Jesus’ love, redemptive sacrifice, and the empowerment of believers as a kingdom of priests; a prophetic declaration foretelling Christ’s return and the universal recognition of his sovereignty; and God’s self-identification as the “Alpha and Omega,” affirming his sovereignty over all history. This passage assures believers of God’s eternal sovereignty, Christ’s redemptive work and authority, and the imminent hope of his return.

In our Gospel reading from John 18:33-37, we witness the profound exchange between Jesus and Pontius Pilate. Here, Jesus redefines kingship, emphasizing that his kingdom is “not from this world.” This dialogue highlights a spiritual kingdom, as Jesus’ reign transcends earthly power structures, rooted instead in divine truth. Jesus came to testify to the truth, and those who belong to the truth listen to his voice. The passage challenges us to consider the nature of Christ’s kingship—a reign founded on fact, service, and sacrificial love, contrasting sharply with conventional notions of power.

As we reflect on these scriptures, it’s clear that the lectionary thoughtfully weaves together themes that culminate in the celebration of Christ the King. The fulfillment of the Davidic covenant is evident as the promises made to David find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, affirming God’s faithfulness across generations. Christ redefines kingship, embodying a new kind of leadership that is spiritual, universal, and characterized by self-giving love. The eschatological hope in Revelation reminds us of the future revelation of Christ as King, encouraging us to live in hopeful anticipation of his return. Through our worship and community life, we experience a foretaste of Christ’s reign, which calls us to embrace the kingdom's values of love, justice, and truth.

Our Collect of the Day beautifully encapsulates these themes: “Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule…” This prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty, celebrates Christ’s kingship, and expresses our longing for liberation and unity under his gracious rule. It directly echoes the titles and themes in Revelation and John’s Gospel, aligning our hearts with God’s redemptive plan.

As we stand at the close of the liturgical year, we’re invited to remember the full story of God’s redemption and anticipate the culmination of his divine plan. Michael W. Merriman reminds us that our liturgy is both a remembrance and an anticipation. In this space, we experience a foretaste of the reign of Christ that is to come. So, as we prepare to enter Advent—a season of expectant waiting—let’s carry forward these reflections. Let’s acknowledge Christ as sovereign, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate authority in our lives and the world. Let’s embrace kingdom values, living out the principles of love, truth, justice, and service that characterize Christ’s reign. Let’s cultivate hopeful anticipation, allowing the hope of Christ’s return to shape our actions and priorities. And let’s participate fully in worship and community, engaging in the Church's life and experiencing Christ's presence and reign here and now.