Read: Psalm 89:1-36
"He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him."
Psalm 89:26-28
Though it is somewhat debated, the book of the Old Testament with the most Messianic prophecies is the book of the Psalms. Yet, though there are many messianic prophecies, there are not many psalms that discuss the birth of the Messiah. The only one is Psalm 89. Written by an obscure author, but it’s likely the psalm finds its root in the Davidic covenant established in 2 Samuel 7. In that covenant, God promised to extend David’s house to his descendants, and the throne of David beyond the time of David’s life. But as any reader of the Old Testament knows: David’s ruling line does not continue to this day. Or…does it?
To answer this question, it is first helpful to highlight a significant point to understanding how God works. God does not merely work or move in simple linear historical categories. What in the world does that mean? By that, I mean that God does not always work like we think He does. He does not always fulfill His promise the way we think He does. You see, God has extended David’s throne to this very day, but David’s throne does not consist of an actual rule within strict geographical boundaries. David’s throne is sat upon to this day: Jesus sits on it. And Jesus' rule is not of this world. His kingdom is the kingdom of heaven.
In this psalm, God declares that He will “make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” This designation of “firstborn” isn’t a classification of birth order per se, it is a classification of royal elevation. God declares the “firstborn” king will be the “highest of the kings of the earth.” Such a status is referring to Jesus’ royal position of King of Kings. The Messiah, the one who sits upon David’s throne, is the highest king of all because He reigns above all.
The covenant established with David is a redemptive covenant that culminates in the rule and life of Jesus of Nazareth. He is the Davidic king and the one who will reign forever. Jesus became incarnate within the Davidic line and rules with His Father in heaven on this day. In this season, we celebrate the birth of our King. That’s not to say that His existence began in the womb of Mary, but it is to say His humanity did. Thus, His reign within the line of David also began then. Now Jesus reigns over the universe. And He reigns over the hearts and minds of all those who call Him Lord.
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Prayer: Father, give me mercy and grace that I may submit to your will and rule in my life. May the King of Kings rule in my heart as He rules the universe. In Jesus name. Amen!