Read
(A psalm by David.)
The Lord Gives Victory
1 The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right side,
until I make your enemies
into a footstool for you.”
2The Lord will let your power
reach out from Zion,
and you will rule
over your enemies.
3Your glorious power
will be seen on the day
you begin to rule.
You will wear the sacred robes
and shine like the morning sun
in all of your strength.
4 The Lord has made a promise
that will never be broken:
“You will be a priest forever,
just like Melchizedek.”
5The Lord is at your right side,
and when he gets angry
he will crush
the other kings.
6He will judge the nations
and crack their skulls,
leaving piles of dead bodies
all over the earth.
7He will drink from any stream
that he chooses, while winning
victory after victory.
Reflect
Can you imagine what a difference it would make in our nation if our leaders acted as God’s representatives – spiritual leaders who inspire us to pray, seek justice and live lives dedicated to God! This was God’s intention for the leaders of his people.
Moses began leading as God’s representative when he went to Pharaoh with the message: “Let my people go!” Then he continued faithfully as he shaped them into a nation under God. God’s plan for this newly formed nation was that they were to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6) that would prosper and become a light to the surrounding nations.
But instead of influencing those nations, they allowed themselves to be influenced by them, eventually wanting to be just like them and have a king. Their first king, Saul, began with great promise but his pride became his downfall. When he refused to listen to God and attempted to usurp the role of priest, he forfeited the opportunity of establishing an enduring kingdom through his line.
Saul’s replacement was David who, under God, became a great king. In this Psalm, David is given the message that an even greater King will come from his line and will reign forever. This divine king will be both king and priest like the King of Salem (King of peace) named Melchizedek (meaning righteousness) (Genesis 14:18-20).
The New Testament affirms that this promise of God to David has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus – the Messiah – a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews, chs 5-7).
Amazingly, we have the privilege of living in this kingdom. Our role is to live and lead in our own sphere of influence as God’s representatives – to be a light to the people around us.
Respond
Lord, I give you praise that you are my King and Priest and that I live even now in your eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace. Forgive me when I allow the desire to live like others take precedence over your call to influence my world as your representative. Amen
Lynn Smith
Lynn served Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto as Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Development where leadership development became the focus of her involvement with students. After retiring, she co-founded NextLEVEL Leadership, an International organization focused on encouraging Christian women to develop in their leadership roles in the marketplace, profession or ministry. Her passion for seeing others grow in their leadership confidence has inspired her to teach and mentor wherever God calls. Publications: Gender or Giftedness: a Challenge to rethink the basis for leadership within the Faith Community; Mentoring: Leaving a Legacy; Fred's Not Here - Living with Alzheimer Disease takes Courage