Psalm 110
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will yield from Zion
your sceptre of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.
He, the judge of the nations
will heap high the bodies;
heads shall be scattered far and wide.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
Reflection: “Priest and King Forever”
Psalm 110 is one of the most quoted psalms within the New Testament – and for good reason. It’s a royal psalm, filled with prophetic power, pointing directly towards the Messiah. As we continue our Advent journey, this passage draws our eyes to Jesus – not only as the infant in the manger, but as the eternal priest and king, seated at the right hand of God.
“The Lord’s revelation to my master: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’” This is not just a declaration of power – it is a promise of ultimate authority and victory. In the midst of a chaotic world, it is deeply reassuring to know that Christ rules, not in arrogance or tyranny, but with righteousness and mercy.
The reference to Melchizedek reminds us that Christ’s priesthood is unique – eternal, mysterious, and unchanging. He is not a temporary figure, but a forever High Priest who intercedes for us, stands with us, and knows our deepest needs.
Advent is a time of preparation – but also a time of recognition. We are not just waiting for the birth of Jesus – we are acknowledging the reign of Christ already established. He rules not only from a throne in heaven but in the hearts of those who trust him.
Even as the psalm speaks of judgment and justice, it ends with a beautiful image: “He shall drink from the stream by the wayside and therefore he shall lift up his head.” The victorious King is also the Servant – humble, refreshed, and steadfast. In him, justice and peace meet.
Let us lift up our heads today and prepare him room – not only at Christmastime, but for eternity.
Prayer
Eternal King and Priest,
you reign with justice and compassion.
As we journey through Advent,
help us recognise your power,
trust your promises,
and rest in your eternal priesthood.
May we lift up our heads with hope,
knowing that your kingdom is near.
Reign in our hearts, rule over our fears,
and prepare us to welcome you with joy.
In your holy and everlasting name we pray,
Amen.