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2 Samuel 5:1- 3 Psalm 121 Colossians 1:12-20 Luke 23:35-43
Today we celebrate the kingdom of God and Christ the King. In the 11th century BCE the people of Israel proclaimed David their king. David was a lowly shepherd but had proved to be a fearless and effective leader in battle. Now, instead of leading sheep he would shepherd the people. To seal this agreement a treaty was drawn up and David was anointed as king.
The gospel scene depicts Jesus on the cross being mocked by some of the religious leaders. One of the taunts is to give him the title the "King of the Jews" which recalls Luke's description of Jesus' regal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. One of the criminals hanging with Jesus recognises Jesus' innocence and that he could dispense pardon and mercy as only a king can. Jesus promises the criminal that he would be with him, in fellowship with him, in paradise, a rich image of the original creation.
The letter to the Colossians is a prayer and hymn of thanksgiving to God for bringing us out of darkness into the light of his kingdom through the death of his Son, Jesus.