Walking Through Ephesians
“Psalm 110”
Categories: Seeing God Through the PsalmsPsalm 110
What comes to mind when you hear the name Jesus? What image comes to your mind? What do you see? Is it a man with a long beard, long hair, wearing a white tunic and a blue sash? Do you see Him in His power – walking on the sea, calming the storm, healing the sick, raising the dead? Do you see His gentle spirit? Do you see the touch of compassion, a warm smile on His face?
Psalm 110 is a psalm that shows us Jesus. This OT passage is most frequently quoted in the NT. Jesus quotes it in Matthew 22:42 to show that the people’s misunderstanding about the Messiah, about Him. Though He was a descendant of David (and thus a man), they missed that the Messiah was not merely David’s son, but also David’s Lord – one with the Father from all eternity.
Psalm 110 shows Jesus as King (v. 1-3). We often consider David as greatest king in Israel. All positive kings after him are compared to him. He led with wisdom. He led with compassion. He led with a God-focused heart. And yet, as good of a king as David was, there was one coming after Him who was greater.
Jesus is greater because He is God – “The Lord says to my Lord” (see Matt. 22:41-45). He is no mere man – flawed by sin, weak in mind, swayed by popular opinion. This King is God, perfect in justice, in wisdom, in power, in His rule. This psalm looks to the present time, when Jesus the Messiah is risen and ascended, Lord over all at the right hand of the Father.
Psalm 110 shows Jesus as Priest (v. 4). The kingship shows Jesus’ power/authority, the priesthood shows His heart. In order to be our High Priest He had to be able to relate/sympathize with us (whom He represents) as well as God (whom He represents). This is the thought the Hebrew writer expresses in Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesus came and dwelt among us. For over 30 years He lived here – He succumbed to the sufferings and pains of this life for us.
Psalm 110 shows Jesus as judge (v. 5-7). For most of David’s life he had no judge. No one would plead his case. No one who would enact judgment on those who mistreated him. But David knew God is THE judge and that He would judge the wicked in His time and in His ways – and that is the same for us today. Christ’s judgment will be complete (every knee will bow – Phil. 2:10), and it will be victorious – pictured by the one who drinks by the brook in v. 7 – the battle is won, thus rest and refreshment is His.
What’s all this mean for us?
- Jesus is King – Follow Him. “King of my life I crown Thee now” – the King of my habits, king of my relationships, king of my mind, my words, my plans, my dreams.
- Jesus is Priest – trust in Him. In the times I feel alone, Jesus knows, Jesus understands. And Jesus continues to work on our behalf. Thanks to His work we have access to the Father’s presence (Heb. 4:15-16). Jesus is working on your behalf. Jesus prays for you. One author wrote: “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet the distance makes no difference. He is praying for me!”(Robert Murray McCheyne)
- Jesus is Judge – Fear Him. One day the Lord will come in judgment (2 Cor. 5:10). This is a strong motivation to live holy lives. God will bring justice. God will answer, will rescue, will deliver one day. Live to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Do you know my Jesus?
Wonderful, merciful Savior – Prophet, Priest, and King. All glory belongs to You! You are the King of Kings – You reign on high. You have conquered the grave, death submits to Your voice. I submit my life to Your will. You are the great High Priest – merciful, compassionate. You fully understand my pain and my suffering. You hear the words I pray, and carry those words to the Father. Thank You for Your loving service. Thank You for understanding. I know I can always come to You. I know You understand. You are the Perfect Judge. You are just. You are fair. And One day I will stand before You face to face. I plead for Your mercy over sins I have committed. I ask for Your daily help to live a life that would be pleasing to You – that when You come, I may be found right in Your sight. Knowing You fills my heart with joy. Precious Jesus, let me ever come to know You more and more.
