Episode 103 - Bible Teacher | Author

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Today’s declaration makes me think of a sermon given back in 1976 by a popular preacher named S.M. Lockridge. I can hear his rich, baritone voice even now, saying the phrase he repeated again and again in his sermon, That’s My King!

I’m tempted to add “that’s my king” to our declaration, which I drew from Isaiah 9:6-7. These verses from Isaiah form the basis of many Christmas sermons, and they provide the context for today’s podcast episode.

Dr. S. M. Lockridge served as the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a prominent African-American congregation in San Diego, California, from 1953 to 1993. His initials stand for Shadrach Meshach. Sound familiar? S.M. Lockridge was named for two of the Hebrews who were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to bow down to a 90-foot statute of Babylon’s king. Shadrach and Meshach would bow only to one king—the King of kings—even if it cost them their lives. (You can read the story of their bravery in Daniel 3.) Dr. Lockridge’s name suggests he, too, knew the King of kings. He delivered a powerful sermon with a refrain that he repeated over and over: That’s my King. The three-minute excerpt of “That’s My King” on YouTube has millions of views.

Nearly every time Dr. Lockridge declares “That’s my king” he also asks, “Do you know him?”

Dr. Lockridge opens with “My King was born King.” Then he says, “He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of Kings… Now, that’s my King.”

Isaiah put it this way: Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

Yes, indeed. That’s my king.

This week’s scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Discover the healing power of Psalm 139 in my book, Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance.

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