Lent - Pt 11

The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head. (Psalm 110 ESV).

Many people think of Jesus in many ways. Perhaps two of the most common is that he is a wise teacher or a great example. However, as we come to this psalm (Psalm 110), which is the most cited in the New Testament, we see the two that are most descriptive in the redemptive narrative. David describes Jesus as both priest and king. It is very important that we note Jesus is described as “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (v. 4). Melchizedek is only mentioned three times in the Bible. The Genesis account introduces Melchizedek near the beginning of Abraham’s story. Later, he is introduced as a king during the time of Abraham. And, then the Old Testament remains silent about him until the book of Psalms, which alludes to him when describing a royal priesthood. This is probably a good sign that the figure of Melchizedek had retained some religious significance to Abraham’s descendants. Much later, in the book of Hebrews, Melchizedek is shown as a case study for Jesus’ priesthood. The king in Psalm 110 is unequaled in power and might. He sits at God’s right hand in the place of highest authority. He is guaranteed victory over his adversaries and he rules his people in such a way that they freely follow him. He crushes opposing kings and executes judgment among the nations. He is exalted and has sure victory over all his enemies. Being a priest, we know that he has the authority and power to offer sacrifices and prayers on behalf of his people. Jesus offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sin and he continually intercedes for us. He clothes us in holy garments, so that through him, we can draw near to God. When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, he returned to his original place at his right hand. His resurrection was both a vindication of his status as the Son of God and his enthronement as the rightful king over creation. He defeated the power of sin and death and he presently reigns as king. This means that Jesus has the power and authority to protect us from all evil and wickedness and that he deserves our complete allegiance and loyalty. Meditate on these characteristics of Jesus today!