This temporal existence demands our self-restraint; even as we groan under life’s burdens and yearn to be clothed in our heavenly dwelling, we must practice detachment from earthly pleasures. This forty-day period, representing the fasts observed by Moses, Elijah, and the Lord Himself, signifies this discipline. Meanwhile, the fifty days that follow our Lord’s Resurrection, during which we joyously proclaim Hallelujah, is not simply a limited timeframe, but rather a declaration of the fulfillment of certain times, distinguishing this temporal hope from the everlasting joy of eternity. The tithe mentioned in Matthew 20:10, when added to the forty, symbolizes the reward allotted to faithful laborers in this life, prepared equally for those who have toiled from the beginning and those who join in later. Let us, then, attune our hearts to the praises of God’s people. In this psalm, the psalmist depicts an individual filled with gladness, representing a community whose hearts overflow with divine love—the body of Christ, liberated from all evil.
I acknowledge You, O Lord, as he professes with all his heart (Psalm 110:1). Confession is not limited to the acknowledgment of sins; rather, in the faithfulness of confession, praises for God are expressed. One group may mourn while another rejoices; the first seeks medical attention for their wounds while the latter offers gratitude for healing. The final confession illustrates one liberated not only from wrongdoing but also distanced from all malice. Consider, then, the posture in which he confesses to the Lord fully. He speaks in the gathering of the righteous and of the assembly, likely referencing those who will occupy twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). There will be no one unjust among them, no betrayal like Judas’, no attempts at trading the Spirit as Simon the sorcerer sought to do, no deceitful acts like those of Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14), and no false brother who pretends to be among them. Such are the burdens the Church must now bear, and she will be called to safeguard against them when all the righteous are united. These represent the mighty works of the Lord, fulfilled according to His will (Psalm 110:2): through whom mercy spares the penitent, and no wrongdoing remains unaddressed (Hebrews 12:6). Each person must choose the path they undertake; the Lord's works are structured such that the created being, endowed with free will, cannot exceed the Creator’s intent, even if acting against His desire. God does not will for anyone to sin; He forbids it. But if sin does occur, let it not be presumed that man acted according to his whims, while God acted contrary to His desire. Just as He desired humanity to refrain from sin, He is equally willing to grant the sinner an opportunity for repentance and life; yet, He will ultimately hold accountable those who remain obstinate in their wrongdoing, ensuring that the disobedient cannot evade the consequences of justice. Thus, whatever decisions you make, the Almighty has no obstacle in executing His will concerning you.
The Lord's work exhibits confession and glorious deeds (Psalm 110:3). What could be more glorious than the justification of the wicked? Yet it may be argued that human action obstructs this divine work—indeed, having confessed their sins, a person may become worthy of being justified. This glorious work of the Lord is cherished; He loves those to whom He extends the most forgiveness (Luke 7:42-48). This is truly the Lord’s majestic endeavor: where sin abounds, grace abounds even more (Romans 5:20). However, it is also possible that one might merit justification through their actions. Yet it is not by works that one should boast, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good deeds (Ephesians 2:9-10). A person does not perform righteousness without first being justified; they must believe in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), beginning with faith. Good deeds do not precede to demonstrate what one has earned, but rather follow what one has received.
He has made His marvelous acts memorable (Psalm 110:4): humbling one while exalting another. By reserving extraordinary miracles for the appropriate times, He allows human frailty, always in search of the extraordinary, to remember these moments, even when His daily miracles far surpass them. He created countless trees throughout the earth, and none were astonished; yet He caused one to wither with just a word, and the hearts of men were left in amazement (Matthew 21:19-20). The miracles that are infrequent leave the most profound impressions, but what purpose do these acts serve if they do not inspire reverence? Who would regard wealth with awe if the gracious and merciful Lord didn’t provide sustenance to those who fear Him? (Psalm 110:5) He offers food that does not perish—the bread that comes down from Heaven—bestowed upon those unworthy. For Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6); such provision could only come from the loving and merciful Lord. Yet, if He has granted so much in this life, what might He bestow upon those glorified in the world to come? For He forever remembers His covenant, and the pledge He provided signifies that not everything has been given.
He will reveal to His people the might of His works (Psalm 110:6). May the holy Israelites who forsook all their possessions to follow Him not be troubled or lament, asking, "Who then can be saved?" For it is indeed more feasible for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy individual to enter the Kingdom of God. What is impossible for man is achievable for God (Matthew 19:24-26), offering them an inheritance among the Gentiles. They ventured out to the Gentiles, instructing the affluent of this world not to be haughty or place their hope in fleeting riches, but instead in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17), for what is difficult for humans is made easy by Him. Many were called, and so immense was the inheritance of the Gentiles that even those who hadn't abandoned all their earthly goods followed Him, willing to suffer for the proclamation of His name, entering as it were through the eye of a needle, burdened yet resolute in their tribulations. He performed these miracles, to Him for whom nothing is impossible.
The works of His hands embody truth and justice (Psalm 110:7). Let truth reign for those undergoing judgment here. This is where martyrs face their accusers, to judge not just those who condemned them, but also to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3), against whom they fought even as men seemed to judge them. May affliction, distress, hunger, nakedness, or swords not separate us from Christ, for all His commands are true (Romans 8:35). He does not mislead; He fulfills what He promises. However, we should not anticipate here what He has pledged; we must not yearn for these transient treasures, as they endure eternally, fulfilled in truth and justice (Psalm 110:8). It is rightful and just that we labor here in preparation for rest in the life to come, for He has delivered His people (Psalm 110:9). From what have they been set free but from the bondage of this journey? Therefore, let us pursue no solace except in the heavenly realm. Indeed, while God granted earthly Jerusalem to the fleshly Israelites, which remains in servitude (Galatians 4:25-26), those who discern the symbolism were initially heirs to the New Testament; the free Jerusalem above—our eternal mother in heaven. While transitory pledges were made in that Old Covenant, His covenant shall stand forever. If you desire to be an heir to it, do not deceive yourself or aspire to land flowing with milk and honey, fine estates, or lush gardens; do not covet as such; for the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), and it must be eradicated, consumed in this life rather than deferred. First seek to escape punishment and hell; prior to desiring God, who makes promises, heed the threats of judgment. For holy and honorable is His Name.
The fear of the Lord marks the beginning of wisdom. Understanding is good (Psalm 110:10). Who would dispute this? However, to comprehend without action is perilous. Thus, it is wise for those who will act upon this understanding in due course. Let not this lead to pride; for the praise of Him, whose fear is the foundation of wisdom, is everlasting. This stands as our ultimate reward, our concluding goal, our eternal home. Here lie the true commandments, established forever; this is the very inheritance of the New Testament, eternally decreed. The psalmist states, “One thing I have sought from the Lord, and that will I pursue: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” For blessed are those who reside in the Lord's dwelling, who shall forever sing His praises, as His praise extends eternally.
THEOSIS