Yet, our present existence calls for self-denial; despite our groans and burdens, as we yearn to wear our heavenly dwelling, we must refrain from worldly delights. This is represented by the number forty, echoing the periods of fasting observed by Moses, Elijah, and our Lord Himself. The following fifty days after our Lord’s Resurrection, during which we sing Hallelujah, is not a limit marking the conclusion of a time frame, but rather a signifier of the blessed eternity to come; for the tithe mentioned in Matthew 20:10, added to the forty, symbolizes the reward given to faithful workers, which our Father has set aside equally for all.
Let us attune our hearts to the praises of God’s people. In the psalm, joy is expressed in abundant happiness; it portrays a people whose hearts overflow with divine love, representing the body of Christ liberated from all evil. I confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart, as stated in Psalm 110:1. Confession is not solely an admission of sin; true confession pours out praise for our Creator. One mourns while the other rejoices; the former reveals his wounds to the Healer, while the latter gives thanks for restored health. This final confession denotes someone not only free from evil but also entirely separated from malice. Consider the venue of this heartfelt confession. He states it is in the council of the righteous and the assembly; I envision those who will take their place upon twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). In that realm, there will be no unjust man, nor the betrayal of Judas, nor the attempts of Simon the sorcerer desiring to purchase the Spirit while intending to sell it; nor shall a coppersmith like Alexander engage in wrongdoing (2 Timothy 4:14), nor shall any false brother disguised in sheep's clothing infiltrate the fellowship. Such individuals are burdens the Church endures now, and whom she will reject when the righteous are gathered. These actions reflect the Great Works of the Lord, as recorded in Psalm 110:2, through whom mercy spares every confessor while no evil goes unpunished (Hebrews 12:6). Each individual can choose their path; the workings of the Lord are not designed for the created to defy the will of the Creator. God does not desire your sin, as He forbids it; however, should you transgress, do not presume that humanity's will prevailed while God’s did not. For just as He wished for man to remain sinless, He also desires to spare the sinner that they may repent and live; He is willing to administer justice to the unrepentant who persist in wrongdoing. Therefore, regardless of your choice, the Omnipotent will ensure that His will is accomplished in your life.
The Lord's work is both confession and glorious acts, as revealed in Psalm 110:3. What could be more magnificent than justifying the ungodly? It may be that humanity’s actions hinder this divine glory, such that, having confessed their sins, they become eligible for justification. This is indeed the Lord’s glorious work; He loves those to whom He grants forgiveness the most (Luke 7:42-48). It is the Lord’s glorious work where sin is abundant, grace overflows far more (Romans 5:20). A man may indeed merit justification through his deeds. However, it is stated that this is not about works, for boasting is futile. We are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:9-10). A man cannot perform righteousness without first being justified; believing in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), a person begins with faith so that what is good might follow what they have received, rather than preceding an earned status.
He made His wondrous deeds unforgettable, as it says in Psalm 110:4, humbling one man and exalting another. He saves remarkable miracles for fitting occasions, ensuring that through human frailty, seeking novelty, they might be remembered, even as His daily miracles are far greater. He created countless trees across the earth, yet no one took notice; He commanded one to wither with a word, and the hearts of men were astonished (Matthew 21:19-20). Those miracles, rare due to their unusual nature, hold strongly in our hearts. But why would miracles serve purposes if they don’t instill fear? Who would revere profit if the compassionate and gracious Lord didn’t supply sustenance to those who honor Him? (Psalm 110:5) He gives food that does not perish, bread that descends from heaven, which He has not provided to the unworthy. For Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). Such food could only come from the merciful Lord. Yet, if He has generously provided for this earthly life, what will be bestowed upon those glorified in the world to come? Surely He will always uphold His covenant, and the One who made the promise holds something in reserve.
He will reveal His might to His people through His works (Psalm 110:6). Let not the holy Israelites, who have forsaken all to follow Him, be troubled; let them not lament and ask, “Who then can be saved?” For it is simpler for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. With man, it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:24-26). He shall grant them the inheritance of the Gentiles. Those who approach the Gentiles must remind the wealthy of this world not to take pride in transient riches but to trust in the Living God (1 Timothy 6:17), for with Him, what is impossible for man is easy. Many were summoned; such was the inheritance of the Gentiles that even those who had not entirely relinquished their worldly goods to follow Him often regarded even life itself with disdain for the sake of confessing His name, entering through the narrow path of trials, akin to camels humbling themselves to bear their burdens. His deeds reveal the One to whom all things are indeed possible.
The works of His hands reflect the truth and righteousness (Psalm 110:7). Let the truth be evident in the judgments made. Here, the martyrs who faced condemnation shall judge not only those who condemned them but shall also judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3) against whom they contended, even when they appeared judged by men. Let neither tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, nor sword separate us from Christ. All His commandments are true (Romans 8:35), and He is faithful; He delivers His promises. Yet, we must not anticipate the fulfillment of such promises in this life; rather, these promises are eternal, established firmly in truth and justice (Psalm 110:8). It is just and right that we labor here and find rest in the life to come; for He has redeemed His people (Psalm 110:9). But from what are they redeemed if not from the bondage of this pilgrimage? Let us seek no solace except in the heavenly realm. While it is true that God granted the carnal Israelites a temporary Jerusalem, still burdened by their descendants, this pertains to the old covenant. However, those who grasped the underlying meaning there would recognize themselves as heirs of the New Covenant, for the Jerusalem above is free and is our eternal divine mother (Galatians 4:25-26). The truth that transient promises were made in the Old Testament is evident; yet, He has commanded His covenant forever. And what is the essence of the New Covenant? Whoever wishes to hear it must not be deceived; do not envision a land flowing with milk and honey, or fine estates, or fruitful orchards and shaded gardens; do not covet such earthly possessions, as the greed of the eye yearns for them. For since the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), it must be uprooted and consumed here, rather than deferred to satiation later. First, flee from punishment and hell before you seek the God who promises; beware of the one who threatens, for His Name is holy and honorable.
Thus, the reverence of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Intelligence is undoubtedly valuable (Psalm 110:10). Who would dispute this? Nonetheless, understanding without action is perilous; hence, it is beneficial to those who will act upon that understanding. Let us not let pride swell within, for the honor of the One whose fear is the beginning of wisdom will stand forever; this shall be the reward, the goal, and the eternal dwelling. There are the true commandments, established eternally; here lies the promised inheritance of the New Covenant, decreed to last forever. One thing I have sought from the Lord, which I shall earnestly pursue: to dwell in the house of the Lord all my days. Blessed are those who inhabit the Lord's house; they shall perpetually offer Him praise, for His glory endures forever.
THEOSIS