1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
I don't think we often associate David with the prophets of the Old Testament, and yet David is speaking prophetically.
The LORD says to my Lord -- The Messiah, a new, greater David -- "Sit at my right hand"
And on this day, the Feast of the Ascension, we know that is exactly what Jesus has done.
He has been exalted, to the right hand of the Father, far above any created thing, for eternity. All things are subjected to him. He has overcome his enemies, the Enemy.
2 The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!
"from Zion" which is to say that the power of David's Lord is extended beyond Israel. He is Lord of all.
It is interesting to think of the "mighty scepter" of Christ. What does this mean?
We don't often think of Jesus as a great warrior or a conquering king, and yet He has defeated all the enemies of God.
The Ascension is a celebration of his victory. It is a return to his rightful place -- a re-coronation.
3 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.
We are described as the army of the triumphant Messiah.
We have been clothed in holy garments; we've received the power of the Holy Spirit.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
God has kept His promises. Faithfulness is an inseparable part of God's nature.
Now we have a high priest who intercedes for us. This priest is not of the Mosaic Covenant. It is not an Aaronic priesthood. This is a priesthood that lasts forever.
This is a priesthood that has made one perfect sacrifice. There is no succession. There is nothing more to add.
Simply stated... the comparison to Melchizedek is to emphasize that this is more than the Old Covenant priesthood and for more than just the people of Israel.
Melchizedek comes from Genesis 14, in which he (as high priest of God Most High) bestows a blessing on Abraham.
5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. 6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.
The Messiah sits at the right hand of God, and God's strength follows the Messiah into battle.
He stands with the LORD at his side, and there is no force that can stand against him.
And this Messiah will be a judge of all men, which we know Jesus will do when He comes back to raise the living and the dead. And we know that Jesus is the righteous judge from Isaiah 11.
7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
"drink from the brook" is an interesting phrase...
I've not found a perfect explanation for verse 7, but most of what I've read suggests that it means Christ will be refreshed, never losing vigor in accomplishing all the Father has given him.
The lifting of the head (or of the face) is an expression of being honored. It means that Christ will be victorious in all things, He will be honor, which means we will have victory in him.
A happy Ascension Day to you all, as we celebrate the exaltation of our King and High Priest. May you have victory in His name. Amen.
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