THE DAY OF THY POWER
Psalm 110
PART III

August 1, 1986 Issue
by Bennie T. Cryer

This is the third article on Psalms 110 and the last in this series. In verse 3 David wrote of a time in the future from him (not from us today) when the Messiah would rule with power. The phrase "in the day of thy power" forms the basis for this article.

David, Isaiah, Daniel and other prophets in The Old Testament wrote of a time when the Messiah would come and rule over God's people. Isa 61:2 tells of "the acceptable year of the Lord." In Luke 4:18-21 Jesus taught in the synagogue that "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." When Jesus began preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God he stated, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand." Mk 1:14-15. All of the events prophesied about Jesus were carefully orchestrated by God so much so that Paul wrote, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his son..." Gal 4:4. In other words, at just the right time Jesus came. So did his kingdom and kingship.

The use of the word "time" in Galatians 4:4 indicates that when David wrote "the day of his power" that "day" is used in the sense of "time" and not a 24 hour day. Compare Hebrews 3:8-9 where "day" in verse8 and "Forty years" in verse 9 seems to refer to the same time period.

The Spirit recognized Jesus as king from his birth. The wise men asked, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews?" Mt. 2. In Mt 21:5 Zech 9:9 is said to be fulfilled. "Thy King cometh unto thee..." In Mt 27:11 Pilate asked Jesus, "Art thou king of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest." Or, "it is as you have said, I am king of the Jews." But though he were king, he had not yet been enthroned. It was much like the election of a new president of the U.S.A. He is elected in November. However, his inauguration does not take place until January. At that time he is formerly inducted into that office. Jesus was born chosen of God to be king. God formerly inducted him into that office after the resurrection and his ascension into heaven. At that time he was enthroned and began ruling over the nations with a rod of iron in the midst of his enemies. See Acts 2:30-36. At this time he was on his throne and a kingdom had been given him. Dan 7:14, Lk. 22-29-30. Since all power in heaven and earth had been given to him he had his territory to rule over. On the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 his laws began to be published as the keys to the kingdom were used by Peter (Mt 16:18-19) and the decrees of the Kingdom began to be published by Christ's ambassadors. 2 Cor 5:20, Eph 6:20. In Ps 110:3 David wrote, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." On that Pentecost 3000 "gladly" received the word and they were added unto the number of disciples. Now, all the elements of a kingdom are in place. You have: 1. A king on his throne empowered to rule. 2. A territory for him to rule over. 3. Laws of the king. And, 4. Subjects. No longer did the disciples declare "The kingdom of God is at hand." It was present. In existence. No longer did they pray "Thy kingdom come." They told the subjects, "You are in the kingdom." Co 1:13. The Apostles affirmed that they also were in the kingdom. Rev 1:9.

PRIEST ON HIS THRONE

Jesus is our high priest now. Heb 4:14. His priesthood is after the order of Melchisedec. Heb 6:20. Jesus was to be a priest as he sat and ruled on his throne just as Melchisedec did. Zech 6:13 In Acts 2:30-35 the scriptures were fulfilled where God was to raise up Christ to sit on his throne. He is ruling now if he is priest. If he must now wait at the right hand of the father for a future kingdom then he is not a priest now. But "We have a High Priest" now who is entered into the heavens. If that be so, then we have a king who is ruling from his throne in heaven. He is ruling now in "the first dominion" of this kingdom. Micah 4:8. When all of his enemies have been defeated (Death is the last one) then he will "Put down all rule, all authority and power." At that time he will return the kingdom of God the father and we will enter more abundantly into the second phase of the kingdom (2 Peter 1:11) to live with him forever more.

If it might be suggested that Christ is now on the father's throne at his right hand but not on David's or his own throne (Rev 3:21 is sometimes quoted in an attempt to sustain this.) let it be remembered that what belongs to God belongs to Jesus and What belongs to Jesus belongs to God. And, besides, in both The Old and The New Testaments (I Kings 2:12, I Chron 29:23, Acts 2:30, Luke 1:30-33) it is taught plainly that the throne of God, the throne of David, the throne of Solomon and the throne of Christ are all one and the same throne and it is in heaven. It is like the church of Christ, Rom 16:16, is the same as the church of God. I Cor 1:2. What belonged to Christ, belonged to God. What belonged to God, belonged to Christ. John 17:10.

Those who advocate a future kingdom on this earth are therefore falling into the hands of Satan. Satan wants people to believe that the rule of Christ is in the future and not now, for when he came as king, he came bringing salvation with him. Zech. 9:9

Other OPA Article Links:

Psalm 110, Part 1
Psalm 110, Part 2

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