Yet, this life demands a time of fasting, where we are burdened and yearning for our eternal dwelling, as noted in 2 Corinthians 5:2. This requires us to refrain from earthly indulgences, symbolized by the forty days of fasting observed by Moses, Elijah, and the Lord Himself. The number fifty, following our Lord's Resurrection, during which we chant Hallelujah, signifies not the end of blessed eternity but rather the completion of a particular time. The tithe mentioned in Matthew 20:10, added to the forty, represents the reward provided to faithful laborers in this life, which our Father has prepared for both the first and the last. Let us attune ourselves to the hearts of God’s people, filled with divine adoration. The psalmist portrays someone exulting with joyous praises, representing a congregation whose hearts overflow with love for God: the body of Christ, liberated from all evil.
I confess to You, O Lord, with my whole being, as expressed in Psalm 110:1. To confess is not merely to acknowledge sin but to proclaim the glory of God through faithful acknowledgment. One confession may be accompanied by sorrow, while the other is marked by joy; one reveals a wound to the healer, and the other expresses gratitude for restoration. This final confession illustrates someone who is not only freed from evil but entirely separate from any malice. Thus, let us contemplate the space in which he confesses his commitment to the Lord: in the assembly of the righteous, as he suggests, referencing those who will one day take their places on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). Among them, there will be no unrighteous individuals, as deceit like that of Judas will not be tolerated; there will be no Simon the Magician, who sought to purchase the Spirit while plotting treachery; nor shall a corrupt individual, like Alexander the coppersmith who performed many evil deeds (2 Timothy 4:14), infiltrate this community of faith. Such are the trials the Church currently endures and will continue to ward off until all the righteous are gathered. These reflect the magnificent deeds of the Lord, as stated in Psalm 110:2, through which grace does not let anyone who confesses go unrewarded, and no wrongdoing escapes retribution (Hebrews 12:6).
Let each person choose what they account for, for the workings of the Lord are arranged such that the creature, endowed with free will, cannot exceed the intentions of the Creator, even when acting against His will. God does not desire you to sin; He expressly forbids it. Yet, if you have sinned, do not assume that man acted entirely according to his desire while God acted in opposition to His will. Just as it was God’s will for humanity not to sin, so He desires to show mercy to the sinner, allowing for repentance and life. He is willing to penalize those who persist in their wrongdoing, for the disobedient cannot evade justice. Thus, whatever choice you exercise, the Almighty will find no challenge in executing His will concerning you.
Confession and magnificent acts are His own according to Psalm 110:3. What greater work can there be than bringing righteousness to the wicked? However, it may be that man's actions obstruct this divine work, where a confessed sin leads to deserved justification. Yet, this is the glorious work of the Lord: for He loves most those whom He forgives the most. (Luke 7:42-48) This embodies the glorious work of the Lord: where sin has abounded, grace has overflowed even more (Romans 5:20). However, it is also possible that a person may achieve justification through their deeds. As it is noted, it is not by works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:9-10). Righteousness does not come from oneself unless one is justified; but by believing in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), one begins their journey of faith. Good works do not precede to showcase merit but follow as a testament of grace received.
He has made His remarkable works memorable (Psalm 110:4): humbling this individual while exalting another. By reserving extraordinary miracles for a designated time, He allows human frailty, in its quest for novelty, to recall these moments, despite His daily miracles being even greater. He has created countless trees across the earth, yet few marvel at their existence; but with a single command, He caused one to wither, leaving humanity astonished (Matthew 21:19-20). The miraculously rare captivates the heart profoundly, for miracles serve to inspire fear of the Lord. Who would revere gain if the compassionate and merciful Lord did not provide sustenance to those who honor Him? (Psalm 110:5) Such nourishment, which is eternal, is the bread that comes down from heaven, granted not to the unworthy. Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). Surely, only the gracious and merciful Lord would offer such blessings in this life, yet if a sinner, destined for justification, receives the Word made flesh, what might he expect when glorified in the life to come? For He shall always uphold His covenant, and what He has promised will not be fully realized in our present existence.
He will reveal the strength of His works to His people (Psalm 110:6). Let those holy Israelites who have forsaken all to follow Him find no despair, nor utter the question, “Who can be saved?” For it is easier for a camel to squeeze through a needle’s eye than for a wealthy person to enter into the kingdom of God. What is impossible for man is possible for God (Matthew 19:24-26). He gives them the inheritance among the Gentiles. He sent them to the Gentiles, instructing the rich of this world to avoid pride and trust not in fleeting wealth, but in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17), for what is hard for man is simple for God. Many were called, and the heirship among the Gentiles was plentiful, leading even those who have not renounced worldly possessions to disregard their own lives for the sake of confessing His name. Like camels humbling under the weight of trials, they have entered as if through the narrow opening due to the pressing burdens of affliction. He performed these wonders, for to Him nothing is impossible.
The works of His hands manifest truth and justice (Psalm 110:7). Let truth extend to those who are judged here. The martyrs may face judgment not only against their earthly condemnors but may also judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3), against whom they waged their struggles, even as they appeared judged by men. Let not tribulations, distress, famine, nakedness, or sword separate them from Christ. For all His commandments are true (Romans 8:35)—He is undeceptive and fulfills His promises. Yet, do not expect here what He has promised; our hope should look to the eternal, the everlasting truths that await us (Psalm 110:8). It is just that we labor here and find rest in the eternal realm, for He has sent redemption to His people (Psalm 110:9). From what are they redeemed if not from the bondage of this pilgrimage? Thus, we should seek our solace solely in the heavenly homeland. Although the Lord bestowed upon the carnal Israelites a temporary Jerusalem, which remains bound to its descendants, this pertains to the Old Covenant of the flesh. Those who discerned the symbolism there were heirs of the New Covenant; for the heavenly Jerusalem, our eternal mother, is free (Galatians 4:25-26).
The transient nature of the Old Testament is evidenced by the promises made within it; still, He established His covenant forever. What assurance awaits those who wish to inherit it? Do not be deceived by dreams of the land of milk and honey, or lush farms, or gardens brimming with fruit and shade. Do not covet such possessions or long for what the eyes of greed desire, for the love of money is the root of all evils (1 Timothy 6:10). It must be eradicated before being consumed by fire here; do not postpone your satisfaction for the world to come. First, evade the penalty of hell; seek not God who makes promises until you sidestep the threats against you, for holy and honorable is His name.
The fear of the Lord is indeed the beginning of wisdom. Understanding is good (Psalm 110:10). Who would dispute this? Yet to grasp knowledge without action is perilous. Therefore, it is beneficial for those who will act on it afterward. Let not pride elevate the mind, for glory belongs eternally to Him who embodies the beginning of wisdom. This shall be our reward, our end, our eternal dwelling. Here lie the true commandments, established forever; herein is the true inheritance of the New Covenant, commanded eternally. One thing, as he said, I have sought from the Lord, and this I will pursue: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Blessed are those who dwell in the Lord’s house, for they will ever sing His praises, for His praise endures forever.
THEOSIS