The Kingly Priest Who Reigns Forever | Psalm 110 | David Parker

Devotional

Day 1: Christ is God and King, Exalted at God’s Right Hand

Jesus is not only the promised Messiah but is also fully God, exalted to the highest place of honor at the right hand of the Father. This position is not merely symbolic; it is a declaration of Christ’s divinity and His participation in the very reign and dominion of God over all creation. The enthronement of Christ fulfills the ancient promises and oracles, showing that He is both David’s Lord and the Lord of all, worthy of every knee bowing before Him. To recognize Christ as King is to acknowledge His authority over every aspect of life and to respond in humble worship and surrender. [10:17]

Psalm 110:1 (ESV)
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to bow the knee to Christ’s authority today, surrendering control and trusting Him as your King?

Day 2: Christ’s Universal Reign and the Call to Trust Him

Christ’s reign is not limited to heaven but extends over all the earth, subduing kingdoms and setting captives free through the power of His gospel. Unlike earthly rulers who are flawed and temporary, Jesus is the perfect King who rules with justice, righteousness, and compassion. His scepter stretches from Zion into every corner of the world, and He invites us to participate in His kingdom by making disciples and trusting in His sovereign rule. Even when earthly leaders fail, Christ’s reign is unshakable and will be fully realized when He returns. [18:12]

Psalm 110:2 (ESV)
The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!

Reflection: Where do you struggle to trust Christ’s reign in the world or in your personal circumstances, and how can you actively submit those doubts to Him today?

Day 3: Christ Gives Life, Vitality, and Holiness to His People

Those whom Christ has set free serve Him willingly and joyfully, clothed in His holiness and filled with His life and vigor. Unlike any earthly army, Christ’s people are not conscripted but are transformed by His grace, made new, and empowered to follow Him in holiness and strength. Just as dew appears fresh each morning, so the church is formed and renewed by Christ’s resurrection, receiving abundant life that only He can give. Seek your vitality, purpose, and holiness in Christ alone, for He alone can make you new. [23:55]

John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Reflection: What is one area where you are seeking life or fulfillment apart from Christ, and how can you turn to Him today for true abundance?

Day 4: Christ is the Eternal High Priest Who Makes Atonement

Jesus is not only King but also the great High Priest, combining both offices in Himself and surpassing all previous priests by offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose sacrifices were temporary and insufficient, Christ’s sacrifice is effective, eternal, and brings true reconciliation with God. He mediates a new covenant, washing us from our sins and making us kings and priests with Him. Our hope and confidence rest in His finished work, not in our own efforts or heritage. [32:13]

Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV)
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Reflection: Are you relying on your own goodness or religious activity for acceptance with God, or are you resting in the finished work of Christ as your High Priest?

Day 5: Christ Will Return as Conquering Judge—Trust in Him Alone

Christ will return as the conquering King and righteous Judge, executing justice and making all things right. His holy wrath against sin is certain, but so is His mercy for those who trust in Him. On that day, every person will stand before Him—either judged by their own works or found in the book of life through faith in Christ. The call is urgent: do not wait, but turn to Him now, trusting in His grace and standing on the unshakeable foundation of His righteousness. [40:49]

Revelation 20:11-15 (ESV)
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Reflection: If you were to stand before Christ the Judge today, would you be trusting in your own record or in His grace? What step can you take right now to ensure your name is found in the book of life?

Sermon Summary

Psalm 110 stands as a central pillar in understanding the identity and ministry of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. From the earliest pages of Scripture, God’s plan of redemption unfolds through promises, types, and covenants, all culminating in Christ. Psalm 110, written by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives us a unique window into the Messiah’s dual role as both king and priest—a role no other figure in Israel’s history could claim. Jesus himself, as well as the apostles Peter and Paul, pointed to this psalm to reveal that the Messiah is not merely a descendant of David, but David’s Lord—God himself, enthroned at the right hand of the Father.

The enthronement language of Psalm 110, echoed in the New Testament, proclaims Christ’s exaltation after his resurrection and ascension. He is not just honored, but shares in the very dominion and reign of God, ruling over all creation. The imagery of enemies being made a footstool under his feet is a vivid reminder that Christ’s victory over sin, death, and all opposition is both certain and complete. This victory began at the cross and will be consummated at his return, when every knee will bow before him.

Christ’s kingship is not distant or abstract. He rules in the midst of his enemies, extending his scepter from Zion into the world through the power of the gospel. Unlike earthly rulers, Christ is the perfect king who always acts in justice, compassion, and obedience to the Father. His reign is realized as he subdues hearts, liberates captives, and brings people from darkness into his kingdom of light.

Yet Christ is not only king—he is also the great high priest, appointed not according to the order of Aaron, but after Melchizedek. This means his priesthood is eternal, untainted by sin, and effective to save completely. He offers himself as the perfect sacrifice, making atonement for his people and interceding for them forever. Because of this, those who trust in him are made kings and priests, sharing in his victory and life.

The psalm also points to Christ’s return as conquering judge. His wrath against sin is holy and just, and he will shatter all opposition. The only safe refuge is to trust in him now, receiving his grace rather than facing his judgment. For those united to Christ, his exaltation becomes theirs—he lifts up their heads, sharing his glory and fellowship with them for all eternity. The call is clear: exalt Christ, trust in his finished work, and gladly serve him as king and priest forever.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ’s Identity as God and King Psalm 110 reveals that the Messiah is not merely a human descendant of David, but David’s Lord—God himself. Jesus’ use of this psalm silenced his critics and established his divine authority. To recognize Christ as Lord is to acknowledge his rightful place on the throne of the universe, sharing in the Father’s glory and dominion. This truth calls for humble worship and surrender to his kingship. [06:58]
2. The Universal and Transformative Reign of Christ Christ’s scepter stretches from Zion into the world, ruling in the midst of his enemies through the power of the gospel. His reign is not limited by geography or human opposition; he subdues hearts, liberates captives, and brings justice where earthly rulers fail. The gospel is the means by which Christ’s kingdom advances, transforming lives and societies as people bow the knee to him. [16:10]
3. The Willing Army of the Redeemed Those whom Christ saves are not conscripts but volunteers, gladly offering themselves in service to their king. The vitality, holiness, and vigor of Christ are imparted to his people, who are formed in the likeness of their Savior. True spiritual life and zeal are found only in union with Christ, who gives his people both the desire and the strength to follow him. [21:59]
4. Christ’s Eternal Priesthood and Perfect Sacrifice Unlike the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood, Christ’s priesthood is eternal, sinless, and effective. He is both king and priest, offering himself as the once-for-all sacrifice and interceding for his people forever. This means believers are not only forgiven but also made participants in his royal and priestly ministry, sharing in his righteousness and access to God. [31:39]
5. The Certainty of Christ’s Return as Judge and Conqueror The psalm warns of a coming day when Christ will return to judge the nations, shattering all opposition and establishing perfect justice. God’s wrath is not arbitrary but flows from his holiness and commitment to righteousness. The only safe ground is to trust in Christ’s finished work, standing in his righteousness rather than our own, and looking forward to sharing in his exaltation. [38:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - The Story of Redemption and Psalm 110’s Significance
[01:45] - Christ as Messiah: Prophet, Priest, and King
[03:03] - The Divine Conversation: “The Lord says to my Lord”
[04:54] - Enthronement and Christ’s Exaltation
[06:18] - Jesus’ Use of Psalm 110 and His Divine Authority
[08:18] - Peter’s Pentecost Proclamation and Early Church Creed
[10:17] - Christ’s Dominion and the Meaning of the Footstool
[12:11] - Christ’s Kingship and the Mandate to Rule
[14:17] - The Perfect King: Justice, Compassion, and Obedience
[16:10] - The Gospel as the Scepter of Christ’s Reign
[18:48] - The Willing People of the King
[21:22] - The Church Formed in Christ’s Death and Resurrection
[24:33] - Christ as the Great High Priest: The Center of the Psalm
[27:10] - Melchizedek: The Pattern for Christ’s Priesthood
[31:39] - The Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood and Sacrifice
[33:34] - Christ the Returning Conqueror and Judge
[38:12] - The Final Judgment and the Book of Life
[42:06] - Christ’s Exaltation and the Lifting of Our Heads
[44:43] - Exalting Christ Now and Forever

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 110 (ESV) —
1 The LORD says to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 The LORD sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power,
in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth will be yours.
4 The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will execute judgment among the nations,
filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs
over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.

Observation Questions

In verse 1, who are the two “Lords” that David refers to, and what is the significance of the LORD (Yahweh) speaking to “my Lord” (Adoni)? ([03:03])
According to verse 2, what does it mean that the Messiah’s scepter is stretched from Zion and that he rules “in the midst of your enemies”? ([12:11])
What is unique about the Messiah’s priesthood in verse 4, and how is it different from the Levitical priesthood? ([25:53])
In verses 5-6, what kind of judgment is described, and who is the target of this judgment? ([33:34])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus use Psalm 110 to challenge the religious leaders’ understanding of the Messiah’s identity, and what does this reveal about who Christ is? ([06:58])
The sermon says Christ’s reign is “not limited by geography or human opposition.” What does it mean for Christ to rule “in the midst of his enemies” today? ([16:10])
The psalm describes Christ’s people as “volunteers” who serve willingly. What does this suggest about the nature of following Jesus compared to earthly rulers? ([18:48])
Why is it important that Christ is both king and priest, and how does his priesthood “after the order of Melchizedek” give believers confidence in their salvation? ([31:39])

Application Questions

The sermon calls us to “bow the knee” to Christ now, not just in the future. Is there an area of your life where you are resisting Christ’s kingship? What would it look like to surrender that area to him this week? ([11:34])
Christ’s reign is described as transforming lives and societies through the gospel. Can you think of a specific way the gospel has changed your heart or your community? How might you participate in extending Christ’s reign where you live? ([16:10])
The psalm says Christ’s people “volunteer freely” in his service. Do you serve Christ out of duty or delight? What is one way you could offer yourself more willingly to him this month? ([18:48])
The sermon highlights that Christ’s priesthood is eternal and effective. When you struggle with guilt or doubt, how does knowing Jesus intercedes for you change the way you approach God? ([31:39])
The psalm warns of Christ’s return as judge. How does the reality of future judgment affect the way you relate to others, especially those who don’t know Christ? ([38:52])
The sermon says that those united to Christ share in his exaltation and are made “kings and priests.” What does it mean for you, practically, to live as someone who shares in Christ’s victory and ministry? ([32:57])
The call is to “exalt Christ, trust in his finished work, and gladly serve him.” What is one specific step you can take this week to exalt Christ in your home, work, or relationships? ([44:43])

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The Kingly Priest Who Reigns Forever | Psalm 110 | David Parker | 2025-10-26