Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-088 Sunday 05 May 2002

Reading: PSALM 110 – AN ANOINTED RULER

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

Praise God that Jesus, exalted to the Lord’s right hand, lives to intercede for those who come to God through him.(Heb 7:25)

More widely quoted than any other in the New Testament, this psalm celebrates the leader whom God raises up and appoints over his people.

As a king, God’s anointed servant does all that is normal for one in his position: he rules with sceptre in hand, leads an army, and accepts the adulation of his people. But in other respects, he is most unusual, for unlike most kings, he neither establishes nor maintains his rule by subjugating rivals or defeating enemies. Military and political power appear to be the consequence, rather than the causes of his reign. It is clear that he owes his power entirely to God. Far from ascending to the throne by his own might, he is bidden to sit quietly while God does all the work (v 1).

The king is established at God’s ‘right hand’ in the place of honour, trust, and favour. Thus he serves not only as king, embodying God’s rule, but also as ‘a priest forever’ representing his people before God (v 4). In this he resembles Melchizedek of ancient Salem (Jerusalem), who was himself both a king and ‘priest of God most high’.(Gen 14:18-2O)

While this psalm may have originally accompanied the enthronement of King David and his successors, it surely belongs more fully to the Messiah, as Jesus himself contends.(See Mark 12:35-37) For all these attributes – divine favour, godly rule, priestly service, and utter reliance on God – find their greatest expression in him. As we reflect on its images, we celebrate Jesus’ authority over every ‘rule and authority, power and dominion’ enjoy the benefits of his priestly intercession, and join him in his unwavering dependence upon the Father.(See Eph 1:21; Heb 8:1; John 16:23)

By representing God to us, and us to God, Jesus invites us to share his obedience and his trust in the Father.

– Rev Dr Michael Knowles

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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