In this episode of Behold Your King, we reflect on Christ as the eternal Word who created all things and, in His incarnation, began God’s work of new creation. John’s Gospel reveals Jesus as the true Light whom the darkness cannot overcome, while Luke’s account shows the miracle of that Light taking on flesh through the overshadowing power of the Most High. Mary’s humble obedience ushers in the long-awaited Redeemer—fully human, fully divine—who brings hope to a world trapped in sin and unable to save itself. Through Him, the darkness begins to flee, creation’s curse is challenged, and a new dawn breaks for all who receive Him.

In this episode of Behold Your King, we see God’s long-promised global redemption unfold as wise men from the east journey to worship the newborn King. Their arrival in Bethlehem reveals that God’s salvation was never meant for one people only but for every nation under heaven. While Herod trembles at the threat of a rival, the magi bow in joyful allegiance, offering gifts that acknowledge Christ’s true authority. Their obedience to God—returning home by another way—demonstrates a stunning truth: no earthly king can hinder the purposes of the King of kings. This reading invites listeners to reflect on the worldwide scope of Christ’s reign and the unstoppable nature of God’s plan to gather His people from every corner of the earth.

In this episode of Behold Your King, we explore God’s command to consecrate every firstborn in Israel and how that command pointed forward to Christ. The reading traces Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and the sacrificial system that reminded them of the Passover lamb whose blood spared their children. Luke’s account then brings us to the temple, where Joseph and Mary dedicate Jesus—yet while they offer a sacrifice for their firstborn, God is presenting His firstborn Son as the spotless Lamb who would redeem His people once and for all. Through Simeon and Anna’s prophetic words, we see Christ revealed as salvation, light for the nations, and the long-awaited Redeemer. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how Jesus’ perfect obedience and sacrificial death complete the story the Exodus began.

This episode of Behold Your King turns to the night of Christ’s birth, where shepherds keeping watch in darkness are suddenly surrounded by the blazing glory of God. Drawing together Isaiah’s prophecy and Luke’s account, the reading explores why the shepherds trembled at the angel’s appearance—and how the command “Fear not” signaled the arrival of the long-promised Light of the World. The episode reflects on humanity’s need for a mediator who can bridge the gap between sinful people and the holy presence of God, and how Jesus’ incarnation invites us not to shrink back in terror but to behold God’s glory and live. Listeners are encouraged to consider the shepherds’ fear, the angel’s comforting message, and the mercy revealed in the Savior’s birth. Written by the Ezra Institute, read by Dallas Block with scripture by Dan Niles, and produced by Rock Solid Refuge.

This episode of Behold Your King reflects on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and the profound recognition of Jesus’ kingship even before His birth. Drawing together Genesis 49:10 and Luke 1:39–56, the reading highlights how the promised ruler from the line of Judah is acknowledged by Elizabeth and her pre-born son, John the Baptist, who leaps for joy at the presence of the unborn Messiah. Mary’s Magnificat celebrates God’s mighty work in her life and proclaims a kingdom marked not by earthly power but by God’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness to His covenant. As listeners consider the signs of Jesus’ eternal authority and the contrast between His reign and worldly rulers, the episode invites reflection on the joy, humility, and hope that accompany the arrival of the true King.

Written by the Ezra Institute, read by Dallas Block with scripture by Dan Niles, and produced by Rock Solid Refuge.

This episode of Behold Your King traces the promise of a Savior from Eden to Nazareth, connecting Genesis 3:15 with Luke’s account of the angel Gabriel announcing Christ’s conception. As we enter the Advent season, the reading reflects on humanity’s need for rescue from the curse of sin and the hope God provided through the promised offspring who would crush the serpent’s head. contrasting Eve’s disobedience with Jesus’ perfect obedience and eternal kingship, the episode highlights how Christ restores the dominion humanity lost and fulfills God’s promise through the line of Judah. Listeners are invited to consider the nature of God’s promise, how Gabriel’s announcement affirms Christ’s coming rule, and the miraculous ways God overcomes the impossible.

Written by the Ezra Institute, read by Dallas Block with scripture by Dan Niles, and produced by Rock Solid Refuge.

In this special Christmas episode, Dallas Block, Brad Block, and Dan Niles reflect on the deeper meaning of the season through the lens of Scripture and the work of Rock Solid Refuge. Together, they explore the grand narrative of God’s redemptive story—from the fall in Genesis and the first promise of a Savior, to Mary’s courageous obedience, to the long-term purposes of God unfolding across centuries. Each speaker shares how these truths shape the ministry’s mission and the lives of the young men they serve, offering a rich and hope-filled meditation designed to encourage listeners as they enter the Christmas season.

Suffering feels like the opposite of hope—but Paul turns that assumption on its head. He says that for the follower of Christ, trials aren’t wasted. They’re a process through which God shapes endurance, strengthens character, and deepens hope.

Pain entered the world through sin, but God’s love entered the world through Jesus. While we were still sinners—while we were still the problem—Christ died for us. That means our suffering isn’t proof that God is absent; it’s an opportunity to discover His presence more deeply.

Like an athlete training through pain, our endurance grows through resistance. But unlike physical training, our strength is not self-made—it’s Spirit-given. God’s love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, anchoring us in a hope that does not disappoint.

When life hurts, don’t just ask, “Why is this happening?” Ask instead, “What is God shaping in me through this?” Because in His hands, even suffering becomes a servant of hope.

From our earliest years, we learn the principle of earning what we get—work equals wages. It’s fair, predictable, and deeply ingrained in us. But the gospel of Jesus Christ shatters that equation when it comes to salvation. Paul reminds us that Abraham wasn’t justified by his good works or moral effort, but by faith—simple, trusting belief in God’s promise.

If we try to earn righteousness, our “wages” are what we truly deserve: judgment for sin. But if we stop striving and instead believe in the One who justifies the ungodly, then faith is credited to us as righteousness. Forgiveness, eternal life, and peace with God are not earned—they are given.

Grace upends our instinct to perform for approval. It invites us to rest in the finished work of Christ, to live and work not for God’s favor, but from it. That’s the paradox of faith and wages: what we could never earn, God freely gives.

Every person stands guilty before a holy God. The law shows us our sin, but it cannot save us—it only reveals our desperate need for grace. Yet into that hopeless courtroom steps Jesus, our perfect substitute. He takes the full weight of God’s righteous wrath upon Himself so that we can be declared innocent, not by our own works, but by faith in Him.

This is the heart of the gospel: God remains just—sin is punished—yet He is also the justifier, declaring righteous all who believe in Jesus. The cross is where divine justice and divine love meet. Our response can only be deep, enduring gratitude.

Every day we live in light of this gift, we declare with our words and actions that we understand its worth. Let every moment of our lives be an expression of thankfulness to the One who gave Himself for us.