In the days of Jesus, people were waiting for God's Messiah to come. They already knew that he wages of sin was death. They also knew that there was no way for them to save themselves. God, then, would need to send a Savior. They referred to that Savior as the Messiah.
They expected the messiah to be a powerful King just as this psalm seemed to indicate. His power would be so great because God Himself would place this messiah's enemies under him as a "footstool." His army would be great and people would serve him willingly.
They knew that the messiah would be born in the family line of King David. This psalm, though, was confusing to them. Jesus brought up the challenge when he asked other teachers of his day a question about this psalm.
Jesus responded, "Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah 'my Lord'? For David said, 'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at My right hand until I humble Your enemies beneath Your feet.' Since David called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?" (Matthew 22:43-45 NLT)
The question pointed to an important fact about the messiah. He would not just be a person like you and me. The messiah would be greater than King David ever was. David would call him, "Lord."
The LORD has taken an oath and will not break His vow: "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." (Psalms 110:4 NLT)
Not only would the messiah be greater than David. He would also live much longer. In fact, the messiah is referred to as being a priest "forever." This messiah would live forever. In addition, he would not be a "normal" temple priest. He would be a priest in the line of Melchizedek - starting before the temple priests and lasting long after. The writer of the book of Hebrews spends all of chapter 7 talking about some of the implications of this statement.
The Lord stands at Your right hand to protect You. He will strike down many kings when His anger erupts. He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; He will shatter heads over the whole earth. But He Himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious. (Psalms 110:5-7 NLT)
This messiah, the psalm continues, stands at our right hand to protect us. He is powerful enough to strike down kings, punish nations, and "shatter heads" over the whole earth. He himself is refreshed from brooks along the way and will be victorious. This messiah is our savior, our king, and our friend.
Do you see the savior/messiah any differently now? Do you believe Jesus is that messiah/savior? Are you glad he saves and protects you? Do you let him?
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