Author Darlene J. Conard

Photo is credited to “The Passion of Christ” produced by Mel Gibson

David started as a shepherd boy and ended as king. He stood strong in the midst of his brothers’ accusing words. From day to day the ten-foot giant suited in a massive armor of bronze stood on a hill bellowing out challenges towards Israel’s armies. David referred to them as the armies of the living God. Fear paralyzed their hearts, robbing them of whose they belonged to.

Victoriously he dismantled Goliath’s authority, not with weaponry made by hand; the name of the Lord won his battle. He earned his presence in King Saul’s palace. David didn’t realize that his seat on the throne was in transition. (1 Samuel 17) The weight of the crown was upon him. As king he held greater responsibilities. David oversaw the wellbeing of Israel. Primarily, God was his priority and Israel’s.

Jesus is referred to the son of David. He experienced the weight of the crown. Not that of gold filled with jewels, no elegance in the least. Mockers joyfully weaved together Judean thorns to fit upon His head. Roman soldiers pressed the crown of thorns until it pierced His brow. Blood didn’t flow from insignificant amounts.

Though the Bible explicitly records no elegant crown honored Him: the crimson drops of blood exceeded earthly kings’ riches. Jesus stepped down from the splendor of Heaven as a ransom for the undeserving. The king’s duty was to fight for his kingdom in battle. Victoriously Jesus dismantled hell, not with the ordnance of man but through His blood. That, my friend, is evidence of true love. Love that held no grudges, bitterness nor unforgiveness. That’s the king I desire to follow.

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