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)
A few days ago, we explored how all earthly priests fell short of their calling – to be mediators between and holy God and sinful men. Perhaps the fact that all such priests are sinners themselves makes such a task impossible. We also saw how the sinless God-Man, Jesus, is the perfect priest, not of the tribe of Levi but from the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4-7, Genesis 14). He alone can truly bring holy God and sinful men into relationship.
Today’s reading highlights the priestly role of Jesus, but also clearly portrays Him as King. How do we know that this Psalm, the most quoted Old Testament passage by the New Testament, is prophetically referring to Jesus? One hint is that no earthly, Jewish king can be both priest and king. Jesus is both the One who brings God and man together in relationship, and the One who rules and reigns on high for all eternity! Jesus is at God’s right hand – the place of ultimate authority. Jesus rules over all His enemies, including the greatest enemies of all, sin and death. Jesus has all power and is dressed in holiness. Jesus rightly executes perfect justice among the nations. Jesus alone is the perfect Priest and King. Who better to give your life to than He!
Behold, the Lamb of God! 