Psalm 110:1-4 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 110:1-4 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1The Lord says to my lord, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool."
Verse 2The Lord sends out from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes.
Verse 3Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day you lead your forces on the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you.
Verse 4The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
Devotion
It has been noted that, if Queen Elizabeth maintains her health and the throne of England until some day later this year, she will have reigned longer than any English monarch. Doubtless the occasion will be marked with great ceremony and celebration. There has always been a respect for the office of royalty or leadership even if sometimes the person holding that office acts in less than noble fashion.
This was true in biblical times as well. Some kings acted nobly; others did not. But the office of king was supported by law, custom and psalmody. Today's text is one of several enthronement psalms in which God is regarded as one who holds the king accountable. The order of Melchizedek is referred to in verse 4. Later, in the Letter to the Hebrews (especially chapter 5, verses 1-6) the kingly office is associated with Christ who did not glorify himself. Yet he has been in office for over 1,000 years.
Prayer
O Lord, sometimes your son is referred to as the Lamb of God and sometimes as the Good Shepherd. He is also known as the King of kings and the King of love. However he is called, let him rule in our hearts so that we may serve him in love and truth. Amen.