There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [Matthew 19:28]
Psalm 21 is another royal psalm, where David expresses his confidence that the Lord will make his position as king secure, and pour out blessing on the nation.
You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. [Psalm 21:3]
Jesus is anticipating the day when He is placed on the throne, but he also sees beyond that to the fact that His followers will be placed on thrones as well.
What does this mean?
God designed this world in a very specific way.
He designed it as a kingdom, under His ultimate authority, but assigned to Humans as His representatives, His image-bearers.
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” [Genesis 1:26]
When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost their position of authority; God was still ultimately in charge, but Humans gave over their place to Satan.
Because humans failed, God became human to reclaim the throne, by defeating the curse of sin and death, by defeating Satan, and by restoring Humanity.
With Christ our Brother, we are restored to our place as Adam and Eve, rulers over creation.
This is God’s purpose, to restore His kingdom (this world under Humanity, under Him).
In Jesus, Humanity is back on the throne [Matthew 28:18], and we now reign with Him.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. [Ephesians 2:6]
With David, we can pray this Psalm, confident in the Lord’s blessing.
Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. [Psalm 21:5-6]
PRAYER:
Lord, You are in charge of the Universe. As Your brother I am restored to my rightful place. Help me to follow You (and not Adam and Eve) in faithfully discharging my duty as steward of Your creation.