Dear Family at Christ Community,

    We will take the time on Sunday to remember the work and governance of Jesus Christ by celebrating the Lord’s Table together. As we begin our series in Daniel and wrestle with a biblical perspective on politics and governance amid our current political and cultural circumstances, we will need a tangible reminder of the kingly reign and governance of Christ. The bread and the cup serve as ordinary representations of the paradoxical truth that the death of Christ ushers in His reign as King in earnest.

    Our assurance of pardon from Matthew 4:12-17 helps us to prepare to remember how Jesus fulfilled and is fulfilling the prophecy of governance from Isaiah 9:1-7, a critical text on the reign of Christ:

“Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: The land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The declaration that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” serves as a summary of Isaiah’s declaration in 9:6-7:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

How comforting is it to know that the government of Christ rests solely on His perfect and completed work and not on the manipulations and maneuverings of political leaders or voters? How reassuring is it to know that the Prince of Peace’s government will increase without end despite the divisions, cultural attacks, and wars against Him and His people?

    The bread and cup will serve to comfort and reassure us in the reign of Christ despite the nations and leaders raging in vain. It will also serve to nourish us between the now and the not yet as we in union with Christ endure the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in as we seek to live out the mission of God in a fallen world. The table declares to us Jesus’ promise in John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Take time this week to meditate on and take joy in the governance of Jesus as promised in Scripture. Consider how this truth fashions the foundation of your political and cultural views and engagement. Repent of the beliefs and views that diminish or deny Christ’s governance which diminishes your witness and labor in God’s mission in the world.

In Christ,
Cameron