Posts Tagged ‘King’
Scripture reading for June 25th: Psalms 107-110
Psalm 110 is one of David’s psalms that was used by Jesus Christ to confound his adversaries. Jesus was being tested by the teachers of the law to try to prove that he could not be the messiah. To counter their arguments, Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 and attributed it to King David speaking under the power of the Holy Spirit. “The Lord said to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” (Psalm 110:1) “David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” (Mark 12:36-37a) Jesus’ question was designed to help these teachers of the law connect with the plain teaching of God’s Word that the messiah would be a son of David as well as his Lord! (2nd Samuel 7:12, 13, 16) This is a hard concept for us to grasp and this psalm has been difficult for some to understand throughout history.
The psalm is a prophetic picture of the messiah who would come from the line of David. This messiah would sit at God’s right hand and rule until the Lord God put all His enemies under His feet. The messiah would be made or declared a priest as well as a ruling king! A priest represents the people before God by intercession and sacrifice. The king was to rule on behalf of God. These offices were not combined in the Old Testament history of God’s people. There was one person in history who was both a priest and a king. His name was Melchizedek. (Genesis 14:18-20) (Hebrews 5:5-10, 6:19-7:28) Melchizedek was the King of Salem (Peace) and a priest of the Most High God. He received tithes from Abraham and blessed Abraham. This descendant of David who was to come would be a priest and king like Melchizedek!
Priests normally did not sit down while at work. This King who was seated at God’s right hand who also was a Priest was invited to sit! He was sitting down, because His work of sacrifice on behalf of the people was completed! (Acts 5:31) (Ephesians 1:20) David was seeing a vision of the throne in heaven following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who offered His own sinless body as the payment for the sins of the whole world! John the Baptist remarked of Jesus: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Jesus now is interceding for us as a priest before God, seated at His right hand! (Romans 8:34)
This King/Priest is ruling in the midst of His enemies now, waiting for them to bow their knees! (Psalm 11o:2,3) He is marshaling His troops for a day of battle! There is a coming day of wrath where all enemies who have not become one of his troops by bowing their knees will suffer a crushing defeat! (Psalm 110:5-6) This King will judge nations and crush rulers of the earth! He will be refreshed after the battle and exalted as the King of Glory! (Psalm 110:7) Truly, this King is the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of David, David’s Lord!
Scripture Reading for February 26: Deuteronomy 17-20
The passage today is another example of God’s foreknowledge. In Deuteronomy 17, Moses gives instructions to the Israelites about what will transpire after they enter the promised land. He said that they would want a king like the other nations around them. (Deuteronomy 17:14) We know from history, that is exactly what happened! God’s Word is always true and is worth listening to! I believe these passages will help us today.
The first rule of choosing a king, is to appoint one chosen by the Lord Himself! He must come from his own brothers so he can understand the people and the problems they face. A foreigner will not have a proper understanding and in the case of Israel, would not understand God’s special dealing with this nation. (Deuteronomy 17:15) Jesus Christ was God’s chosen ruler to be king over His people! He is actually king over the universe! He is one of us, being born of a woman. He was tempted in all ways like us, yet without sin. He came from the Father, and knew and willingly did the Father’s will!
Another factor in choosing the proper king had to do with their moral character. The king was not to gather large numbers of horses or send people to Egypt to get them. This king was not to take a large number of wives, because the wives would lead his heart astray. Some of these wives might lead the king into idolatry and cause his downfall. He must not gather large amounts of silver and gold. (Deuteronomy 17: 16-17) These things often lead to idolatry and pride and take the king’s focus off of serving the Lord and the people. Jesus Christ met all these characteristics! He did not put his trust in military power and certainly did not lead the people to Egypt. He also did not marry here, but is still betrothed to a Gentile Bride. He certainly did not gather silver and gold, but was a man of contentment with whatever was provided here. He owns the universe and is not greedy or idolatrous!
The last instructions for the king was that he was to write for himself a copy of the law taken from priests. The purpose was that the king would know the law and Word of God and keep and uphold it in his kingdom. It was to help him with pride and thinking that he was better than his brothers. It would help him revere God and honor Him alone.(Deuteronomy 17:18-20) Of course, Jesus Christ perfectly honored His father and kept the law. He read the law regularly and identified with his brothers in their need by giving Himself for them. The result is a long reign for eternity!
This instruction is good for any who are in authority! Pride is a constant temptation and so is greed. Sexual temptations also beset leaders. Would that we trust the Word of God! Choose Jesus for your king today!