In contrast, the period of fifty days following Christ's resurrection, during which we joyously proclaim Hallelujah, represents a time that transcends mere temporal boundaries and leads us into eternal bliss. The tithe mentioned in Matthew 20:10, combined with that forty, illustrates the rewards prepared by our Father for those who labor faithfully in this life. Thus, let us listen to the hearts of God’s people as they overflow with divine praise. This psalm portrays individuals rejoicing with delight, embodying a community whose hearts are filled with love for God, representing the body of Christ, liberated from all malice.
I openly confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart, as stated in Psalm 110:1. Such confession is not always an acknowledgment of sins; rather, it is a proclamation of faithfulness that extols God’s glory. The first speaks from sorrow, while the latter rejoices; the former reveals wounds to the healer, while the latter offers gratitude for restored health. The ultimate confession signifies an individual free from all evil and devoid of resentment. Reflect upon the setting of this heartfelt confession to the Lord: "In the council of the righteous and the assembly,” indicating those who will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). Among them, there will be no unrighteous man, no betrayal like Judas, no attempts to procure the Spirit as Simon the Sorcerer once did, nor the deceit of Alexander the coppersmith engaged in wicked acts (2 Timothy 4:14), nor any posed brothers disguising their true nature. These are the challenges the Church currently faces, enduring the trials posed by the unworthy, which she will confront when all the righteous are gathered in unity. The magnificent works of the Lord fulfill His righteous will, as stated in Psalm 110:2: through them, His mercy does not allow any confessor to go unrewarded, nor does wickedness evade its due punishment (Hebrews 12:6). May each individual choose their path wisely: the works of the Lord are arranged such that His creation cannot act against the divine will, even when the choices seem contrary. God does not desire sin; He prohibits it, but if one does sin, one must not presume that a person acted entirely on his own—it aligns with God's overarching plan. Just as He wishes that no one should sin, He also desires to spare the sinner that he might repent and live. Ultimately, the obstinate sinner cannot evade justice. Therefore, regardless of individual choices, the Almighty easily fulfills His purpose concerning us.
Confession and an array of glorious deeds emerge from His handiwork, as seen in Psalm 110:3. What greater glory exists than the justification of the sinful? Yet it may be that human actions can obstruct this divine glory, such that one must confess before deserving justification. This glorious work of the Lord flourishes among those whom He forgives abundantly (Luke 7:42-48). This is indeed the splendor of the Lord’s work: where sin abounds, grace superabounds (Romans 5:20). It is possible for one to earn justification through works. Yet it is stated that it is “not of works, lest anyone should boast,” for we have been created anew in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:9-10). Righteousness does not arise from one’s actions unless they have first been justified; it begins with faith in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), so that good works may not precede as a cause for reward, but rather follow as a blessing received.
He made His wondrous deeds memorable, as expressed in Psalm 110:4, humbling one individual while exalting another. He reserves remarkable miracles for the appropriate time, allowing human frailty, which often craves novelty, to retain recollections of them, even though daily miracles exceed those of extraordinary nature. Infinite trees populate the earth without causing astonishment, yet with one word, He causes a single tree to wither, stunning the hearts of mortals (Matthew 21:19-20). Those miracles that remain uncommon due to their rarity make the deepest impression on hearts. What purpose do miracles serve, if not to instill reverential fear? Who would fear profit, were it not for the benevolent and merciful Lord who provides sustenance for those who revere Him (Psalm 110:5)? He provides perishable food, the bread that descends from heaven, which He denies to the unworthy. For Christ has died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). Such provisions come solely from the benevolent and merciful Lord. If He grants so much in this life, what might He provide when we are glorified in the life to come? His covenant remains ever in His mind. The one who made the promise has not fully divulged all.
He will reveal to His people the strength of His deeds (Psalm 110:6). Let not the holy Israelites, who forsook all worldly goods to follow Him, be troubled or ask, “Who can be saved?” For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom of God. While it seems impossible for humanity, for God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:24-26). They will inherit the domain of the Gentiles. As they reach out to the Gentiles, they instruct the affluent not to boast in wealth that is fleeting but to place their hope in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17), for He can navigate the challenges that confound men. Many have been called; the Gentile inheritance is vast; even those who did not abandon worldly goods for Christ have often disregarded even life itself for the sake of advocating His name. Like camels who stoop down to endure burdens, they have entered as if through the needle’s eye, traversing the tight straits of affliction, all possible through Him who can accomplish all things.
The works of His hands are truth and justice (Psalm 110:7). Truth must reign over those who are judged here. The martyrs are summoned to judge, not merely the ones who condemned them but also the angels against whom they fought valiantly here, despite seeming to be condemned by humankind (1 Corinthians 6:3). Let not tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, or sword separate us from Christ; all His commands are truthful (Romans 8:35); He does not deceive and fulfills His promises. We ought not to expect to receive His promises in this life nor hope for such fulfillment; instead, they are established forever in truth and justice, as stated in Psalm 110:8. It is only just that we exert ourselves here to find rest there, for He has sent redemption to His people (Psalm 110:9). But what are they redeemed from, if not the captivity of this earthly pilgrimage? Therefore, our only rest must be the one found in the heavenly realm. Indeed, God granted carnal Israelites an earthly Jerusalem that is now enslaved to its inhabitants; this belongs to the Old Covenant, tailored for the old nature. Yet those who grasp the deeper significance there were heirs of the New Covenant, for the heavenly Jerusalem, which is above, is our eternal mother (Galatians 4:25-26). The Old Covenant promised transitory rewards, as evidenced by its very nature; however, He commanded His covenant to endure forever, and what is this if not the New Covenant? Whosoever desires to inherit it must not be deceived or expect a land flowing with milk and honey, lavish estates, or orchards rich with fruits and shade; one should not covet such fleeting earthly treasures. As greed is the root of all evils (1 Timothy 6:10), let it be uprooted, so as not to linger and be consumed here; do not delay in escaping punishment and avoid hell before yearning for God, who promises. His Name is holy and exalted.
Thus, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Understanding is valuable (Psalm 110:10). Who would argue against this? To comprehend yet fail to act is perilous. Thus, it would be wise for those who intend to take action subsequently. Let not this understanding foster pride, for the praise of Him, whose fear is the onset of wisdom, lasts eternally. This is the ultimate reward, the finality, the everlasting home. Here reside the true commandments, established for eternity; they encompass the essence of the New Covenant, eternally mandated. As it is written, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after: 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 sanctuary; they shall continually offer praise to Him, and His praises endure forever.
THEOSIS