O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;
you open and no one can shut;
you shut and no one can open:
Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,
those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
What makes Christmas hit deep for you? For me, it’s a lump in my throat as I carefully unpack my grown daughters’ handmade childhood ornaments. Or it’s a heart pang when I hear the first slow, somber notes of “What Child Is This?” If I pause and pay attention, I feel deep longings for home, belonging, peace, and hope. How does a baby in a Bethlehem manger unlock the mystery of these powerful feelings?
A look at ancient Israel gives us some answers. Second Samuel 7 records God’s covenant with His nation and His chosen leader, King David. God promised to sustain David’s legacy and lineage, to give His people a protected homeland, and to enable David’s son, Solomon, to build a house for His presence to dwell in instead of a tent (2Samuel 7:10–13). What a promise! God would give His people a safe place to call home, a chosen line of kings to lead them, and permanent access to Himself.
But wait, there’s more. Watch this promise deepen and expand. His genealogy in Matthew 1 tells us that He was born into the family tree of King David, which qualified Him to have a significant leadership role in Israel. Yes, God promised that Jesus was to be included in the line of David. But that pales in comparison to His deeper, divine birthright. The angel told Mary, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David (Luke 1:31–32).
Jesus is the Son of God, “…the Holy One, the true one, the one who has the key of David…” (Revelation 3:7). Jesus, the key of David, unlocked the shackles of sin and death. He faced and fought death—and won.
“I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
—Revelation 1:18
As His people, Jesus frees us from the prison of sin and sorrow and delivers us from brokenness and death itself. He leads us, protects us, and prepares an eternal home where we will dwell with Him in peace. Do you see how God’s ancient covenant with King David expands and culminates in Jesus ruling and reigning forever? Jesus is the ultimate Son, ultimate King, and ultimate deliverer. He brings us home.Notice that when God is speaking to David, we see the word forever three times (2Samuel 7:13,16). In King Jesus, our deepest longings for home, belonging, community, and hope are fulfilled forever, forever, forever! This is why Christmas hits deep. Part of that community touches us right now as we read together and know that we’re not alone in pausing and paying attention to what this week before Christmas unlocks for us. O key of David, come!
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63 thoughts on "Key of David, Come"
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This year has been a hard reflection – my daughter is having Great Depression
My youngest having depression and stress over her new routine
My husband is retiring and we will have a new normal
My daughter in law is drinking to much and tried taking a bottle of pills –
My son is going nuts over what to do with his wife
All this with in 24 hours of getting ready for my husbands retirement –
It’s just nuts
We are trying to focus on Jesus , when all we want is to rush through this season
Jesus is the ultimate Son, ultimate King, and ultimate deliverer.
As I sit& reflect on what Jesus has done for me: free me from sin, sorrow, and death and graciously offered protection, peace, and life eternal, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled by His great love….
”How Great Thou Art”!
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Reminds me of the song, “Yeshua.”
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I feel like I’ve been constantly on the go this Christmas season! Just caught up on all the hustle and bustle! I pray that I make time the week to just spend time with God and really lean in to the true reason for this time of year!
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I really love the verse : “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). May we keep the Word. May we strive our best to keep the Word, no matter how frail and weak we are, little strength, but keep the Word with all our strength. I remembered reading the 7 letters to the 7 churches, and the church of Philadelphia (means Love) is the only church that God commends. May we be the church of Love, the one that will not be lukewarm (to be spit out), the church that is led by Love for God, and Love for His bride.
Ladies, I am asking for prayers for a woman that is struggling in her marriage. I went to see her today with some Xmas gifts for her children. I used to counsel her before and was walking with her for about a year, bringing her to church. She has been having marital issues because of the many rebellions and retaliations she has had toward her husband. He is a wealthy and an older man that she married for stability and citizenship, quite an age gap, and she developed resentment toward him throughout the years, and him toward her and he became verbally abusive. She didn’t want to learn skills to have a job herself and that is one of the reasons he resented her. Though so many times before I have given her counsel according to the Word, but she did the exact opposite, rebelling, left the home to go the women shelter for 8 days and took her 3 year old with her, to scare him, etc, etc. The 3 year old boy got really sick at the shelter due to a stomach bug, and he missed his home terribly. They wandered just like homeless people, waiting for a room. They lived in a wealthy neighborhood too. But that was her choice and she planned to do it again if he yelled at her. Today I heard her story, her intentions, and I told her again, serve your husband, honor him and don’t hate. She let the house go, things were all over the place, messy, she gained tons of weight and did not want to work on the marriage, or herself. The look in her eyes worried me, a spark of rebellion, I was afraid that she would just go ahead and do what she liked. She is a believer, her husband is not. I am frustrated as well, but please pray for my friend D that her heart would be softened, her marriage would be fixed, and she would listen and yield to the Word, like we learnt today, keep the Word and do according to it, I pray she would bless those who speaks ill of her (her husband), and she won’t return evil for evil, but return good for evil, though it’s hard but I pray she will do what’s right. Her 2 boys 3 y/o and 8y/o are suffering. Everybody is. Thank you she’s so much.
@KIMBERLY Z: praying you have some breather in this busy season.
@SEARCHING, KELLY (NEO): my beloved. God bless you & your families richly for your dear hearts.
@SARAH D: good health and God’s leading in relationship.
@TRACI: strength and comfort for your mama’s heart. Thinking of my aunt who just lost her son and husband. I am so sorry.
@CHERRY BREWER: thinking of you, praying for joy, peace and comfort to fill your heart.
@TERESA DONLEY: I remembered the verses that God told one of His prophets to speak to the dead bones, and they slowly become a living army (Ezekiel 37:1-10). May God surround you with such vision and faith. With God, all things are possible.
@TANYA EVANS: healing of family relationships, and storage unit clean out to go well.
@ADRIENNE: love your reminder, never leave the house without the KEY (Jesus). What a metaphor.
Be blessed dear sisters!
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Happy Wednesday ladies! Praying for you all today! Feeling like I haven’t come up for air during this holiday season.
Saying an extra prayer for you, may God grant you peace this season❤️
Lord, I pray for Tricia and others that work on Christmas to find Your joy while they work. May their work be as unto You, remembering Your humble beginnings when You left Heaven to be with us.
Thank you ladies. God is so Awesome! He will
Yes come Jesus ❤️
I have to work this Christmas. I’m a RN, and it’s my year to work. I don’t know why, but it just makes it more difficult to really enjoy this time. But, I also know the Joy that sharing Jesus with others on Christmas Day brings to me and to them.
Please pray that I can see how Jesus works even when I’m at work. All for His glory.
Trisha, thank you for working this year. People in hospital often feel scared and vulnerable. Especially at Christmas! God can use you to make a difference as you care for your patients with kindness.
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Tricia I am a unit secretary at a hospital and I work Christmas Eve into the day. This year bc of me being more my Bible as studying more it just doesn’t seem right. I am going to make the most of it, smile, and share the good news!
I’ve been behind in the readings for a few days, and have taken yesterday and today to catch up. What a joy it is to read God’s Word, and realize that He had the perfect plan from the beginning. He knew the names of each person who would play a crucial part in Jesus’ story. And He knows the name of each of us, personally. He knows every heartache, every fear, and every triumph. He knows me – ME, personally. Thank You, God, for loving me enough to know me inside and out; for knowing my need for You each and every moment of every day. Thank You for knowing the plan long ago. Thank You that You have provided a look at the end of the story. Thank you that it is so magnificent that I can’t even imagine it. Amen.
I’m praying for each of your requests, and for those that aren’t spoken. I’m praying for every lonely and broken heart; for those fighting seasonal illnesses, and those fighting terminal illnesses for themselves and for their loved ones; I’m praying for every broken heart, broken relationship, and broken family. I’m praying for each caregiver. And I’m praying that each She feels God in your heart and in Your life as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you to each and everyone who has been praying for me. I know beyond a doubt that God is answering your prayers. I haven’t felt that mind-numbing fear that I was carrying for several days now. And I can feel a difference in the symptoms. I’ve been able to communicate better, without so much searching for words and losing my train of thought. I’ve almost felt like I don’t have “A” at all. What a miraculous answer to prayer! I’ve been on a new medication since I saw the doctor, which is supposed to help slow the progression. I’m a believer that God uses medicine, doctors and science to perform many miracles. And I’m thankful that I feel Him answering your prayers by giving me this miracle of taking away the symptoms, no matter how long it short it may last. He has replaced my heart of fear with a heart of joy and gratitude.
Have a beautiful day, sweet She sisters.
David’s humility in receiving God’s promise is an example for all believers. Instead of insisting on his initial plan, David humbly accepts God’s plan, showing true obedience. This narrative also emphasizes the enduring love of God, who establishes a covenant with David that leads to the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ.
John the Apostle recounts his supernatural encounter with Christ, where he receives a directive to write to the seven churches of Asia and is given a foretaste of the divine revelations that are yet to unfold.
all believers to examine their spiritual state. We must shun complacency, live righteously, and persevere in our faith. overcomers, those who faithfully endure, who will enjoy the ultimate promise of sharing Christ’s victory and His throne. a stern warning to those in spiritual apathy, encouraging them to wake up and strengthen what remains if they want to have perseverance, faith, repentance, and the promise of heavenly reward.
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Yes! Thank you for posting this! “O sleepers arise….”
Tanya, my heart goes out to you. But we learned some things during COVID that might be helpful. You are not the only one home alone on these holidays. You are not the only one with estranged relationships. On those days when it seems like everyone else is partying it up with tons of family and friends, you have the opportunity to do JUST WHAT YOU WANT!! Bake your favorite treat, cook your favorite foods, watch your favorite movies, pamper yourself. Do things YOU LOVE to do, and do it with the mindset that you are truly ok being alone. True contentment comes from knowing we are loved by our Savior, and we don’t need all the chaos and commotion and loudness that we often associate with the holidays. You are in a good place to learn a very valuable lesson. YOU ARE ENOUGH all by yourself. YOU can have peace and joy all by yourself, other things and people don’t have to be what makes you happy. I spent the last couple Thanksgivings alone, and I found it to be very peaceful. I babied myself, I pampered myself, I took a stay-cation and loved it. Yes, there were moments when I had to fight the feelings that everybody else was having more fun than me, but that’s just not true. Spend more time in the Word that day, spend some time listening to worship music. Let God fill you with His presence and love. Blessings on you this Christmas as you venture into a new way of celebrating!!
Jesus the perfect son chose all of us even though we were not alive when he was. Thousands of years later he is still choosing us.
Dear Tanya, so sorry for your circumstances. I hope you are able to find some peace and joy at Christmas. Do you have a friend (s) who might not be able to go home and you could gather? He walks with you through this difficult circumstance. Lifting all and asking for prayers, found out yesterday I have Covid. I thought it was my long cough (2yr) taking a turn. Never gave Covid a thought, I have escaped it for 3 years. Thanks Shes ❤️
Thank You, Lord! ❤️❤️
Key of David, Come. I’ve probably read the passage in Revelation 3:7-8 many times but never really took notice of the phrase, “Key of David”. I did a little extra digging and found this explanation: “The Key of David is a term found in Revelation and Isaiah. A key indicates control or authority; therefore, having the Key of David would give one control of David’s domain, i.e., Jerusalem, the City of David, and the kingdom of Israel. The fact that, in Revelation 3:7, Jesus holds this key shows that He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the ruler of the New Jerusalem, and the Lord of the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus – holy and true (not fake) holds the key that opens and shuts the doors. It is He who frees us from the prison of sin, sorrow, brokenness and death!! Praise God that He opens to us the door of salvation! So thankful and blessed to know Jesus and to be celebrating both His birth and His coming again. King Jesus, Key of David – Come!
@Sarah D. – praying that you will feel better as you go off to school today and that you will be able to enjoy your Christmas party!
@Tanya Evans – I am so sorry for your family situation. It makes me so sad to think of anyone being alone at Christmas. I pray that you will be so blessed as you celebrate on your own – the One who is the reason for the season. Please know that you are seen, you are loved and may it comfort you to know your SRT sisters are remembering you in prayer.
@Traci Gendron – my heart aches for every mom who has lost a child. I can not even begin to imagine. Please know you are being prayed for. May God comfort you especially as we celebrate Christmas and you without Tanner. Hugs and prayers.
@Mari V. – so excited for your first ever two week time off! Enjoy!!
Praying for all your requests – A blessed Wednesday my dear sisters! ❤️
Thank you for sharing this, Sharon.
The Lord has been at work in my heart regarding surrender to Him and His will. To read the prayer for today makes me question why don’t I let go far more easily than I do?!
“You open, no one can shut.
You shut and no one can open.”
Like I really have any control in the first place! How freeing to let go and trust that God will sort things out far better than I could even imagine!!
Yes KimN! I also need to let go. After all, He holds all things in His hands.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that the Key to every longing of our heart is found in Jesus. We just need to go to Him first! Thank you Jesus for satisfying every longing of my heart! Help me to realize that You are the source of everything I need.
The name of my church is Keypoint Church. Our motto is: “Jesus is the Key and people are the Point.” I am asking for prayer this holiday season. I live very far from my family and relationships are not good. Getting through Thanksgiving and Christmas alone is like an endurance test. I try to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and read the advent devotionals, go to the Christmas Eve services, and try to remember what it is all about. Christmas is family time and if you are estranged from your family or have no one it really emphasizes that you are alone. My plan for Christmas Day is to clean out my storage unit because I want to be out by Jan 31. Please pray for me.
Praying for you, Tanya
Tanya I know it’s difficult to be away from family but might I suggest you look around your church and find others who have no where to go and maybe have a Christmas potluck. I BBC will be praying for God to provide community
Forever, forever, forever…..perhaps TODAY! I can’t wait! Last night we met at my friend’s Gretchen’s house. A group of us mom’s along with our daughters decided to read this year’s She Reads Truth ADVENT together. Our girl’s (seniors in highs school and one a freshman in college) were honest and told us they did not keep up with the reading. Us moms totally understood them as school along with huge load of homework has consumed them. WE EXTENDED GRACE! I was grateful that though that was the case, they still shared what they could. It was a sweet, sweet time with my dear sweet friends and their daughters, and one being my walking partner. One by one, tears and all we shared, our own little community of moms and daughters. This is one ADVENT study I will treasure forever! Happy Wednesday sweet She’s. One more day…one more day and I will be off for the first time ever, for 2 weeks.
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PATTI SAULS, I’m always excited to see your devotionals! So beautifully written today as always!
The KEY! We hear of people searching for the key to happiness, the key to success, long life, etc. The search is in vain if we aren’t seeking the True Key.
As Annie said there are no adequate words of thanks to our God. Thankfully He knows our hearts.
SEARCHING – Love the heart of that precious child! Thank you for sharing! ❤
CEE GEE so good to see your comment.
My Pastor preached on Revelation 3 this past Sunday and what a gift to see it again as I’ve been meditating on this promise!
In Jesus I have finally found healing, belonging, family, home, myself, love, acceptance, etc. He broke my chains and saved me from the path I was on. Although I stumble from time to time, He welcomes me home everytime with open arms!
@Searching – it is a blessing to be in the presence of little ones who know Jesus. ✝️❤️ That is precious and heart-melting. God bless all you She mommys, caregivers, grandmas, and, kid ministers, and teachers. May you cultivate their young hearts with the hand of the Lord and be blessed in the fruit of your work. May God be near to you all.
I was sitting behind these triplets at church Sunday and they were so small and sweet. I thought, “How many angels must surround these children… Here they are standing in the house of God with their little hands lifted, with their whole lives ahead of them. They are so precious and loved.”
To think Jesus loves me the same… It is crazy. I look at young children and my heart melts. Lol.
God bless you Shes all across this world. ❤️❤️❤️
The reading from 2 Samuel always made me think of Solomon. But there’s so much more to unpack there, huh?
Don’t forget your KEY, as you walk out your front door today, sweet sisters!
Dear Lord Jesus, O Key of David. You made a way for us. You open the door to You. You saved us. Now we can come into your Presence Lord Jesus! Fill us with Your Glory! Amen!
He bring us home ❤️ amen
Oh Key of David, come again! We welcome and eagerly await Your return! We love you!
Thank you fellow She’s for a community to read the Word with.
Beyond words can say, Lord God I am grateful for You sending Your Son into the world to save us from our sins. To save me from my sins. Thank You Jesus for fulfilling every longing of my heart.
Amen! ❤️
Thank you SRT for making this Advent so special!
Deep words of love this morning. The reading was so powerful. Thank you Jesus, O King of David, come!❤️
The longing to be home, come Jesus come
The Key to everything- Jesus. The world searches for a key, for meaning, for purpose – by looking everywhere except to God. Lord, may their blinded eyes be opened to The Key and turn their hearts to You.
A kindergartner told me recently that “Jesus went through a lot of pain for us, because He loved us and we never even deserved that kind of love.” Thank you Lord for young hearts and minds that are understanding You.
MERCY – thankful you and family are on the mend
RHONDA J – thank you for sharing about the harvest your friend is witnessing!
TRACI GENDRON – praying for the Lord’s comfort in your tears ❤️
KELLY (NEO) Amen, praying all who hear the Truth will turn to Him.
KATE LITTLE – your comment reminded me of the song co-written by Mark Lowry, now sung by many, Mary, Did You Know?
SARAH D – healing as you finish out the semester
CEE GEE ❤️
Michelle, neither did I. Actually first time I heard it so I had to read a commentary on it. But it makes so much sense.
I love how these studies always reveal something new to me. I have never heard the term “Key of David” until this past Monday when I listened to this week’s SRT podcast. And I don’t know about you, but anything I hear something associated with David, it immediately feels revered because of David’s set aside by God status. And how powerful is this O antiphon imagery?
“O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel! You open and no one closes, You close and no one opens…” It is definite and without a doubt because there is supreme power in the name of Jesus.
Love today’s readings. Praying for you all. Would love your continued prayers for my health, I stayed home the past two days from school because I wasn’t feeling well. I am going in today since it’s our Christmas party, but I can tell it’s going go be tough to push through. Just today and tomorrow and then I’ll be on break!
So powerful. King of kings and Lord of lords. Hallelujah!!
“The Lord has displayed his holy arm in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”
I’m thankful that this will be an occasion for joy for me. But woe to those who have rejected the salvation God has offered.
Praying that those I know who have not yet embraced this gift would do so soon. Holy Spirit may this Christmas be the time their hearts are turned to Jesus for salvation.
DIANNA MCFARLAND ❤️
KRIS – we are closer than we’ve ever been❣️
I love reading across the scriptures. How God’s plan stretches from the very beginning. He’s never abandoned His creation or His children.
I don’t think about the key metaphor often but love it. Jesus holds the key to our salvation
I always think about Mary during this season but it hits a little harder now that I have a son of my own. I can not imagine not finding a place to give birth, hiding him to keep him safe. I can’t image the guilt she may have had to let a king be born in a stable and lay him in a manger. Even tho that was the whole plan I just wonder if she knew.