Thursday 26 October 2017

Psalm: Psalm 110

Background

If the book of Hebrews had a soundtrack, these few verses wouldbe filled with all the chords and themes of the previous chapters,and would be a rousing finale. These few verses offer little new interms of content, but ultimately serve as a conclusion for all theideas which have shaped the letter's key argument.

This short passage cross-references a number of ancientscriptural references, which have been interwoven throughout therest of the letter. It is almost as if each nod to the ancient pastis given a final curtain call in this encore.

We are meant to notice that the key reference point for thisletter is grounded in the prophetic promises of Jeremiah 31. It is through Jesus that the HolySpirit has been given to people - writing and embodying the laws ofGod in people's hearts, rather than through process and ritual.Jesus is the fulfilment of the ancient promise of a Messiah. Thewriter is again encouraging the readers not to look back and relyon their expectation of salvation, but rather to set theirattention on Jesus as the consummation of all that has been set inmotion.

Another echo to further back in the letter focuses on chapters5-8. Through imagery present in Psalm110, Jesus is seated at God's right hand. It has been notedthat Jesus being seated is yet another allusion to the completionof Jesus' work - like sitting down at the end of a hard day. Jesushas the place of honour in the heavenly realm; and again, theinvitation is for us to participate in this holy relationship.

To Ponder

• Make a brew and put your feet up, and re-read this passage. Howdo you understand it after a busy day?

• What is your favourite story ending? Why does a good endingmatter?

• What religious duties do you perform time and time again? Howdo they help your discipleship? What limits your experience ofGod's grace?

• What one thing can you do today, which demonstrates forgivenessto someone else?