O come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.
Scripture
Revelation 3:7 (citing Isaiah 22:22)
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens, and no one will shut, who shuts, and no one opens.'”
Reflection
Jesus is the key of David foretold in the Old Testament to be the Savior of the world. He is the holy one, the true one referred to in Rev. 3:7. The writings of the Prophets and the Psalms provide us with the foretelling of his birth and life. Jesus was also the fulfillment of God’s promise to David. For example, 2 Samuel 7:16 says “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.”
The Old Testament prophet, Nathan, informed David that the house of David would provide for us the Savior, the Messiah—not just a King. God followed through on his promise to David with the birth and life of Jesus, as God with us, in his divine presence, to show us the way. Jesus’ own words provide us with all the answers to life’s question: “How can I spend life in eternity with God?” Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). The answer to that life question is that by believing in Him, Jesus provides the key that opens the door to eternity, which no one will shut. Therefore, Jesus provides the way to eternal life. He has promised that He goes to prepare a place for us. John 14:3 says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
As we embrace Advent and take comfort in His promise, let us focus on the main thing—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Focus on asking the Lord for humility, asking God for help in all things. Rely on him, and not on anything else.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we look to you for the answers to all of life’s questions. We confess we have not been honoring of our commitment to you and we have not treated you with the respect and devotion you deserve. We ask that you help instill in us the commitment to trust you in all our ways. Your ways are higher than our ways. Help us to slow down and not rely on the conveniences of this world, but help us to reach out and cling to you, as your steadfast love never ceases and great is your faithfulness to all generations.
In Christ,
Ed Harper
