Jesus is not only the Son of God, but the Son of David. This time of year, we celebrate that amazing truth: Jesus took on not just any old human flesh, but was born into the royal line of Israel, keeping the promises that God had made to David some 1000 years earlier: “Your throne shall be established forever” (v. 16).

But why would God keep this promise to David? After all, God had rejected the previous king, Saul, because of his infidelity (v. 15, see II Samuel 15:26-29). And David himself was no stranger to moral failure – his own lust for Bathsheba set off a cascade of rape and murder and treason, culminating in him weeping over the death of his son Absalom (see II Samuel 13-18). Moreover, David’s son Solomon, who did end up building a Temple for God (v. 13), also ended up building temples for his foreign wives to worship their false gods (see I Kings 11:7-8). No, David’s family had no corner on the market of righteousness.

So, why didn’t God cast David’s family aside? Because of the One Who would be born into David’s line: Jesus. Jesus would take on Himself the rod and the stripes (v. 14), the beating and the flogging and the cross that all of us traitors to our Heavenly King deserve. And because He absorbed the punishment due to all our sins, God the Father has established His throne forever (v. 16).

Yes, because Jesus is the Son of David, we can be sure that God will always keep His promises. And all who depend on the perfect sacrifice of Christ can be sure of God’s welcome and pardon. So, this Christmas Eve, let us rejoice in God’s greatest gift to us, and let us rest in His faithfulness and His forgiveness.

II Samuel 7:11-17 (ESV)

11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.
12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.
13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men,
15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.
16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'”
17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.