Continue with "The Key Of David"

When, in 29 C.E., Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River and anointed with holy spirit, he became King-Designate in the line of David. He showed exemplary zeal in preaching the good news of the Kingdom and commissioned his disciples likewise to preach. (Matthew 4:23; 10:7, 11) Jesus humbled himself, even to death on a torture stake, thus providing himself fully qualified to inherit the Davidic kingship. Jehovah resurrected Jesus as an immortal spirit and exalted him to His own right hand in the heavens. There he inherited all the rights of the Davidic Kingdom. In due time Jesus would exercise his right to "go subduing in the midst of [his] enemies."-Psalm 110:1, 2; Philippians 2:8, 9; Hebrews 10:13, 14.

In the meantime, Jesus would have use of the key of David, opening up opportunities and privileges related to the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus, Jehovah would now deliver anointed Christians on earth "from the authority of the darkness," transferring them "into the kingdom of the Son of his love." (Colossians 1:13, 14) The key would also be used to bar such privileges to any who proved unfaithful. ( 2Timothy 2:12, 13) Since this permanent heir of David's kingdom has Jehovah's backing, no creature can prevent him from fulfilling such duties.-Compare Matthew 28:18-20.

Coming from such an authoritative source, Jesus' words to the Christians in Philadelphia must be especially comforting! He commends them, saying: " I know your deeds-look! I have set before you an opened door, which no one can shut-that you have little power, and you kept my word and did not prove false to my name." (Revelation 3:8) the congregation has been active, and a door has opened before it-doubtless a door of opportunity for ministerial service. (Compare 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2Corinthians 2:13). Therefore, Jesus encourages the Congregation to take full advantage of the opportunity to preach. They have endured and shown that they have enough power, with help from God's spirit, to continue doing further "deeds" in Jehovah's service. (2Corinthians 12:10; Zechariah 4:6) They have obeyed Jesus' commands and have not denied Christ, either by word or by action.

Next time: "They Will Bow Down To You"