Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; the peoples fall under You. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. (Psalm 45:5-7).
Every year there is a time when the church celebrates the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we commonly call Easter. The Psalm which is before us now is commonly called a “Messianic Psalm,” that is, this Psalm has the work of Jesus Christ in view.
Any kingdom has at least two responsibilities in view: a kingdom (nation) is to seek provision for her citizens and to protect against her enemies. Even in a neutral nation such as Switzerland, there is a plan and preparation for the defense of her citizens. There is no provision where there is no protection.
In the Psalm before us, we see the kingdom of God, as established in the Messiah, or the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. This King is poetically pictured before us as fulfilling the two needs of any people: He is serving and protecting.
I wish that I could say that living the Christian life is an easy endeavor! All around us are temptations set up for the express purpose of tearing us down. I know for myself that the cares of this world, the weakness of my own desires, and the attacks of the evil one are continually set before me in a concerted effort to rip me away from the love of God in Christ. I know my weakness very well! Perhaps you also understand the trials of living in a fallen world, with so many enemies set up against your Christian witness.
King David knew these trials. King Solomon knew these trials. Scripture tells us that each one of us knows these trials. This is the great comfort of the 45th Psalm: God, in Christ, is the God who actively goes to war with all of His and our enemies. God’s “arrows are sharp in the heart” of His enemies. That warfare which we seem to always fail at, is precisely where we can perfectly trust in the protection of our Lord.
Upon the cross of Jesus, we see our glorious King, suffer all of the terrors of the hell which we have earned. He is seen here triumphing over His enemies, as He defeats the power of death, and protects His Bride, the church as God’s own special treasure.
We see that God reigns in righteousness, therefore He always judges perfectly. His enemies are perfectly destroyed; while you, His children, are perfectly protected and blessed.
We have been anointed with the “oil of gladness.” This is language which speaks of the blessing which God has placed upon us. Perhaps you, like me, have dark days; days in which the trials of this world seem greater than I can handle. You are not alone; God has anointed you with the blessing of His Son. We are reminded that though the days may seem dark, yet there is great light in Christ.
Dear friend, do not despair. Look to the glorious work of our righteous king: King Jesus. He has defeated all our enemies, and He has blessed us with His life.
I pray that you enjoy a blessed season, as we consider the glorious work of our Lord, Christ Jesus, the King of Righteousness.
Rev. Travis Grassmid
Zion Reformed Church
Menno, SD