Psalm 110
Psalm 110
Painting a powerful picture of Jesus and His authority over the earth, we can be assured of who it is we have our faith in. The Psalmist David is reflecting on what God the Father says of God the Son. Something helpful to note as we look at the promises of Jesus, and is emphasized by Enduring Word in their commentary of Psalm 110, is that God’s oaths and what He has promised are just as omnipotent and alive today as He is. So what does He say of Jesus?
Firstly, He is mighty and rules over the whole earth. His scepter (a symbol of strength itself) is extended such that even in the presence of His enemies His reign is unquestioned and His rule is unrivaled. We see Jesus wielding this power in the judgment of the nations and their kings in what honestly sounds a little bit like crazy talk. Heaps of dead bodies and the decimation of the greatest rulers on earth happen according to His judgment. All these points to the assurance we have in Him as the powerful ruler of all whom God the Father appointed. Secondly, though, the people of God are involved in this victorious reign also. This conqueror we see in Jesus is still the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek to us, the eternal mediator who went before and intercedes on our behalf. Furthermore, He is not alone in the battle where a clash with His hopeless opposition is assumed. His ranks are made up of willing soldiers, which Enduring Word notes are mightily important. They are not slaves, mercenaries, drafted soldiers, or fighting for a paid reward. No, in some translations they even use the word volunteer instead of willing. And their qualities in battle are unlike anything our culture loves to speak of warriors. They are clothed in holy splendor and come to Jesus like the dew of the morning. Some equate this to their strength being fresh, others quite literally say these troops’ youth and strength are beautiful and glistening like that of morning dew. Regardless of the discrepancies, this is not a normal way to define soldiers going into battle.
Not only is this God’s oath sworn by His own name, meaning we have assurance this will come to be and is who we have in Jesus. But this victory affects us, His people, in an almost unimaginable way. Jesus’s foes are crushed, yet His troops are ignited with an other-worldly vigor to join Him in this battle victoriously. We might be tempted to see the “heaps of dead bodies” and all the demolition that occurs in the wake of His judgment. But for those who believe in Him, this is glorious news as our hope comes to fulfillment in Christ's return to claim what is His. See, we have the victory of the cross to solidify our covenant with Him, a hope which the author of Hebrews calls “an anchor, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19a)” This might of Jesus not only is secure in this present darkness; the enemy territory we live in presently, but it is also coming to reclaim what belongs to Jesus. As His people, this isn’t coming for us, rather, as children of the light, we watch as darkness is eradicated for all time.
Rest in the security we have in Christ, and consider the following questions to help internalize this truth:
As you read through this Psalm, in what is spoken of Jesus and His might, is there any moment you felt assured? What specifically was the Spirit drawing your attention to?
Is there an area of your life you feel attacked or drained by the darkness we are surrounded by currently? How might this Psalm help lift your eyes to the hope we have in Christ?
