INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 110
Psalm 110 is PURE GOSPEL: a Messianic Psalm in which David prophetically reveals the words of YAHWEH (Father God) to ADONAI (His Son: Jesus Christ).
Some Bible commentators call this DAVID'S CREED, for if we study it closely, we truly see the Articles of the Christian Faith.
* THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD - "There are 27 quotations and/or illusions from Psalm 110 in the New Testament." David Guzik
*THE TRIUNE GODHEAD - Father, Son and Holy Spirit
"The LORD said to MY LORD" Psalm 110a (NIV)
"The Holy Spirit testifies to us about this." Hebrews 10:15 (NIV)
*THE NATURE, PERSON & WORK OF JESUS CHRIST
- Our Messiah and King.
- Our Eternal High Priest.
- Our Returning Conqueror: King of Kings, Righteous Judge
- Our Saviour and Redeemer
* THE FALL OF MAN AND THE WAY OF SALVATION.
"For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world would be saved through Him." John 3:17
"His work is done! He will sit at God's right hand. It will have GREAT RESULTS as we wait for COMPLETE VICTORY, which is certain to follow." Charles Spurgeon
PART 1: THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD - Old and New Testaments: Read Psalm 110, Luke 24:44-47; Acts 2:34-39, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, Hebrews 7:17-22
"We can't have the New Testament without the Old Testament". Pat & David Alexander
This is how the New Testament is generally understood, especially when related to David's Psalms. Psalm 110, for example, is quoted in the Gospels by Jesus Himself, and later by Peter in Acts and Paul in his letters.
Jesus came to fuklfill the Old Testament covenant and he often quoted these verses in Psalm 110, in light of his role as Messiah. "He must suffer and die". because it is written" and "it must be fulfilled".
"Then He said, "When I was with you, before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled". Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:44&45
Peter's address to the crowds on the Day of Pentecost was a direct prophetic quote of David's about Jesus Christ.
"For David Himself never ascended into Heaven, yet He said: "THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD: "Sit in the place of honour at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet. Let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah." Acts 1:34-36 (NLT)
Paul also used many quotes in this Psalm in his letters, speaking of Jesus' death and resurrection, and His special work as a High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek.
"The last enemy to be destroyed is DEATH. For the Scripture says: GOD HAS PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS AUTHORITY." 1 Corinthians 15:27 (NLT)
"You are a PRIESTR FOREVER in the Order of Melchizedek.....Now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw nearer to God.... for there is an OATH REGARDING JESUS. For God said to Him: "The Lord has taken an oath and will not break His vow: YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER." Hebrews 7:19&21
PART 2: THE TRIUNE GODHEAD - Father, Son & Holy Spirit: Read Psalm 110:1; Matthew 25:43-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:41-44.
"While Jesus was teaching in the Temple Courts, he asked: "Why do the teachers of the law say that that the Messiah is the Son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared, "The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit art my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." David himself called him "Lord". How then can He be His Son? The large crowd listened to Him with delight." Mark 12:43-46 (NIV)
Jesus was a descendent of David, but more than that, HE WAS THE SON OF GOD, David's Lord. Jesus is established as LORD ADONAI - SON OF GOD - MESSIAH, by YAHWEH - FATHER GOD.
"The LORD said to MY LORD" Psalm 110a (NIV)
^ ^
YAHWEH ADONAI
^ ^
FATHER GOD SON - JESUS CHRIST
"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Psalm 110:1b
In the second part of this verse we read how Jesus is enthroned by His Father - "at his right hand", until He has VICTORY OVER HIS ENEMIES.
"But when the Priest had offered for all time ONE SACRIFICE for sins, He sat down AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, and since that time He waits for HIS ENEMIES TO BE HIS FOOTSTOOL." Hebrews 10:12-13 (NIV)
PART 3: THE NATURE, PERSON AND WORKS OF JESUS
A) OUR MESSIAH AND KING - Read Psalm 110:2&3; Revelation 15:3&4
"The Lord will extol the powerful KINGDOM FROM JERUSALEM; You will rule over your enemies." Psalm 110:2 (NLT)
Jesus is our King and Messiah, ruling the midst of His enemies. Yes, even as a King, He has enemies; but He will always have "His ruling posture" so he can "subdue and triumph ove them".
In Jesus day, the people in Jerusalem were under Roman opposition . They longed for a King that would bring them FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE. They planned to make Jesus this King, but He walked away from this earthly reign. "His kingdom was not of this world." His goal was not a political one, but a SPIRITUAL ONE.
"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob's descendents forever; His Kingdom will never end." Luke 1:32&33 (NIV)
"Jesus, knowing that they intended to make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.....for I have come down from Heaven, not to do my will, but to do the will of Him who sent me," John 6:15&38 (NIV)
Still, Jesus' rule was not limited to Jewish nations. He will eventually rule over the whole world, with and "army of willing volunteer soldiers", who will gladly give themselves to His service. They have been noted for the "strength of their youth".
"Christ shall rule and govern His subjects and they will be happy to do His will. His KINGDOM SHALL STAND WITH HIS CROWN SITTING FIRMLY ON HIS HEAD. He shall rule in the midst of His enemies and friends in Heaven, and He shall be surrounded by worshippers." Matthew Henry
"Your troops will be willing on the day of battle. Arrayed in Holy Splendour; your young men will come to You like dew in the morning womb." Psalm 110:3
"Great and marvellous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear you Lord, and bring glory to Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Revelation 15:3&4 (NIV)
B) OUR ETERNAL HGH PRIEST - Read Psalm 110:4, Genesis 14:18-20, Hebrews 7
"We have now reached the heart of this Psalm, which is also the centre and soul of our faith."
Charles Spurgeon
Melchizedek was in the Order of a PRIEST/KING - a joint role that is only mentioned 3 times in scripture:
1. In Genesis 14:18-20 when Melchizedek. , the Priest of God Most High comes out to bless Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation.
2. In Psalm 110:4 when Yahweh swore an oath that His Son Jesus Christ would be a High Priest FOREVER, in the Order of Melchizedek.
3. In Hebrews 7 when Paul tells us about the High Priest - Jesus Christ, from the GREAT Order of Melchizedek, who sacrificed His life once and for all, so that all Christians could have a "close relationship" with His Father God.
I. GENESIS 14:18-20: MELCHIZEDEK - THE PRIEST OF GOD MOST HIGH.
"And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a Priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abrahan with this blessing: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of Heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you." Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods He had recovered."
Genesis 14:18-20 (NIV)
Mekchizedek - the King/Priest of Salem came out to Abram with some food and a blessing, after Abraham had saved his nephew Lot, and fought the kings in the lands surrounding Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham then gave Melchizedek a 10% tithe of the spoils he had collected in war.
We came upon Melchizedek "in this stage of history, mysteriously", with no pedigree, no date of birth and no mention of his death. All he had was His name: "MELCHIZEDEK, THE PRIEST OF GOD MOST HIGH."
"This Melchizedek was king of Salem and Priest of God Most High..... without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a Priest forever." Hebrews 7:3 (NIV)
II. PSALM 110:4 - HIGH PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK
"The Lord has taken an oath and will not break His vow: "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." Psalm 110:4 (NLT)
Yahweh made an oath with His Son, Jesus Christ, that He would be a GREAT HIGH PRIEST FOREVER, in the ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. Why did he do this? You see, Melchizedek wasn't just any priest, from the Levitical Order, like Aaron. Melchizedek's order was exceptional.
Aaron and the other Levitical priests could not fully meet the needs of the sinful nation - God's people. They only gave daily animal sacrifices. Jesus was to be their PRIEST/KING FOREVER. Noit only by sitting upon His Father's throne, but Jesus would bring a "better hope for redemption", when His Father sent Him as a ONE FOR ALL SACRIFICE.
"It is He who will build the Temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a Priest on His throne. And there will be harmony between the two." Zechariah 6:13 (NIV)
"Unlike the other High Priests, He does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people. HE SACRIFICED FOR THE SINS ONCE AND FOR ALL WHEN HE OFFERED HIMSELF. For the law appointed High Priests, men in all their weaknesses; but the OATH which cane after the law, APPOINTED THE SON, WHO HAS BEEN MADE PERFECT FOREVER." Hebrews 7:27&28 (NIV)
III. HEBREWS 7:15-28: OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST - OUR ONE SACRIFICE!
"Our Lord Jesus Christ is our High Priest and faithfully executed the position appointed by God, to make ATONEMENT FOR OUR SINS and to be a MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND US." Matthew Henry
Jesus offered Himself as a LAMB OF GOD - THE PERFECT SACRIFICE, "reconciling humanity with God". We this perfect sacrifice we can now have perfect FREEDOM AND REDEMPTION from sin. Jesus came from the royal tribe of Judah, and He has given us better hope "as we approach God". Jesus sits on "his Father's right hand", interceding for us so that we can DRAW CLOSE TO THE FATHER. What comfort and encouragement that can give us in our Christian faith?
"Therefore, He is able, once and forever, TO SAVE THOSE WHO COME TO GOD, through Him. He lives FOREVER TOI INTERCEDE WITH GOD on their behalf." Hebrews 7:25 (NLT)
"My children, I am writing this to do so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins - and not only our sins, but the sins of the world." `=1 John 2:1&2 (NLT)
Paul also reminds us that Jesus became our PRIEST, not because he was of the Tribe of Levi. As David tells prophesied, by telling us about Yahweh's OATH, "JESUS WOULD BE OUR PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK", and Yahweh would not break this OATH. "It is a guarantee of a better covenant with God".
C) OUR RETURNING CONQUEROR: King of Kings, Righteous Judge, Saviour & Redeemer - Read110:5-7, Revelation 19 &21; Philippians 2:7-1
The last verses of this Psalm refer the VICTORIES of our RETURNING CONQUEROR, as our KING OF KINGS, RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER.
I. KING OF KINGS
"On His robe at His thigh was written this title: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"
Revelation 19:16 (NLT)
"The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings on the day of His wrath." Psalm 110:5 (NLT)
"Christ has WRATH as well as GRACE. On the great day of His wrath, He will conquer His enemies and kings, "at his Father's right hand". This will be at the end of time." Matthew Henry
When Jesus returns as our King of Kings He will finally put all His enemies "at his feet". He will have victory over the kings of the earth, executing them on the "day of his wrath". He will have many victories including those over Satan, and all the world's rulers. He will reign on the NEW EARTH, and KINGDOM OF PEACE AND JOY WILL HAVE NO END.
"Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the ONE SITTING ON THE HORSE AND His army. And the beast was captured and with him the false prophets who did miracles on his behalf." Revelation 19:19&20 (NLT)
"Then I saw a NEW HEAVEN and a NEW EARTH, for the old heaven and the old earth had passed away........He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying or pain. ALL THESE THINGS ARE GONE FOREVER. And the one sitting on the throne said, "Behold, I AM MAKING EVERYTHING NEW." Revelation 21:1,4&5 (NKJV)
II. OUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGE
"He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies. He shall execute the heads of many countries. " Psalm 110:6 (NLT)
"Now I saw Heaven opened and behold a white horse. And He who sat on Him was called FAITHFUL AND TRUE, and in RIGHTEOUSNESS HE JUDGES and makes war."
Revelation 19:11 (NKJV)
Jesus is the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE among all the nations of the world. When He judges and declares righteousness he "wounds the heads of his enemies" and "fills the place with dead bodies.". When we read this verse it doesn't seem like very righteous judgement. But when we think about all of what His enemies would have done to Him, and the kings of the world would have shed blood and fought wars, maybe he was giving them what they deserved.
Charles Spurgeon reminds us that: "Jesus is FAITHFUL AND TRUE, and as He rides His white horse we can we see and feel HIS POWER. We can either YIELD to His righteous judgement, JOYFULLY; or be CRUSHED BY IT. "
III. SAVIOUR AND REDEEMER
"But He will drink from a brook along the way and He WILL LIFT HIS HEAD HIGH." Psalm 110:7 (NIV)
"He went out with His disciples over to the Brook at Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with His disciples." John 18:1&2 (NKJV)
Jesus drank from the Brook at Kidron when He was about to enter His time of suffering. He drank deeply for our SALVATION AND REDEMPTION. When Jesus later died on the cross, His head was bowed; but when His body was resurrected, HIS HEAD WAS LIFTED UP. He then went to be "exalted with His Father" - "his reward for humiliation", to "sit at His Father's right hand".
"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even DEATH ON THE CROSS. Therefore, GOD HAS HIGHLY EXALTED HIM and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8-11 (NIV)
Jesus' next step would be to REDEEM AND SAVE HIS PEOPLE on the "DAY OF HIS RETURN", when there would be COMPLETE VICTORY. This would be the "LIFTING UP OF OUR HEADS", as we RESURRECTED INTO HEAVEN. We are His "righteous friends" and we will have endless joy with our Lord FOREVER.
"For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will RISE FIRST. Then we who are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER IN THE CLOUDS to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we will always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16&17 (NKJV)
"LIFT UP YOUR HEADS FOR REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH." Charles Spurgeon
PART 4: THE FALL OF MAN, HIS SALVATION & ETERNAL LIFE - Read Ephesians 2 & John 3
"OUR REDEEMER SAVES AND COMFORTS HIS FRIENDS." Matthew Henry
How beautiful and wonderful OUR SAVIOUR IS. He will show us His marvellous PLAN if we CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM. We are human, and we will fall, just like Adam and Eve and God's people in our Bible history, but we have a SAVIOUR who will lead us into the WAY of TRUTH AND LIFE, for He was willing to give His life for us, to die for our sins. It's up to us now to BELIEVE AND TRUST IN HIM, so that we can have ETERNAL LIFE with Him and His Father.
"For God so loved the world He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but will have ETERNAL LIFE." John 3:16 (NIV)
"I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except by me,"
John 14:6 (NIV)
"For it is BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH, and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God." Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
CONCLUSION - Our Prayer of Thanksgiving
How this Psalm stirs our hearts to give Yahweh and His Son Jesus Christ GLORY, with the Holy Spirit and all we have in our being.
* Thank you for revealing God the Father to us.
* Thank you for being our Messiah and King.
* Thank you for being our High Priest: Mediator and Advocate,
* Thank you for being our Righteous Judge and giving us Victory over Satan.
* Thank you for being our Saviour and Redeemer.
* Thank you for leading us the way to Forgiveness, Salvation and Eternal Life.
* THANK YOU FOR HELPING US LIVE A FULL CHRISTIAN FAITH!
TO YOU BE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION AND AUTHORITY
FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN.
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