Daily Devotional

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32, 33). 

What killed Alexander the Great? Various theories have been debated. Some believe he died by poisoning, but others say his symptoms matched a person suffering from malaria. Another story explains that after attending yet another banquet while in Babylon, he finished a glass of wine (which he often drank) and cried out that he felt like he had been “hit in the liver with an arrow.” 

In June 323 BC, Alexander became ill and was asked just before his death to whom he believed his empire should be given. The four contending generals thought it was an appropriate question since their leader had no heirs. In a barely audible voice, the dying king replied, “To the greatest.” Soon after, the Greek Empire was divided and then ended in 303 BC. 

King David was once promised that a mighty descendant of his would be great and rule forever. Nathan the prophet told him, “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom” (2 Samuel 7:12). He then stated, “Your throne shall be established forever” (verse 16). 

David’s earthly kingdom did not last forever, at least not uninterrupted. Israel became divided and Judah was carried into captivity. God’s people were under the rulership of foreigners until Rome finally destroyed Jerusalem. Yet the promise of an eternal kingdom through David was fulfilled by Jesus, a descendant of the royal line. Though Israel did not stay true to God as a nation, the Lord’s ultimate purpose was carried out by the establishment of His kingdom through Christ. 

Jesus has made a way for us to be heirs of His eternal kingdom. Even though we are among the least, He is the greatest and will take us into His kingdom that will never end. 

Lord, please prepare my heart and mind to be a part of your kingdom today and evermore.