Sermon Cloud

Intro: Return of the King.  The most quoted Psalm in NT- key to understanding Jesus.

Big Idea:  As High Priest, Jesus saves us from His wrath.

I. Jesus reigns until He subdues all His enemies (1-3).

(Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:40-44; Acts 2:34-36; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:22; Hebrews 1:13)

-         David (Mt. 22) has a vision- Spirit brings him into the heavenly throne room.

-         He sees the “Lord” talking to someone.  YHWH- God’s covenant name, Great I am.

-         He speaks to “my Lord”- David’s Adonai or Master.  David was no one’s vassal.

-         The Father speaks to the pre-incarnate Son.  Jesus says Adonai is Messiah (gospels).

-         The Father commands the Son to sit at His right hand- authority to rule is given.

-         He rules until all His enemies are put under His feet, as a footstool.  Absolute dominion!

-         Jesus reigns now, until His enemies are completely vanquished (1 Cor. 15).

-         David declares the might & power Jesus’ reign- his scepter extends from Zion!

-         He reigns in the midst of His enemies- a spiritual, not earthly, kingdom- surrounded.

-         His reign extends wherever His church exists between His 2 advents- enemy soil.

-         His people follow Him willingly into the spiritual battle.  Ill. Arragorn

Transition: At Christmas we celebrate the eternal Son who takes on flesh to rule as King.

II. Jesus returns to conquer all who oppose Him (4-7).

(Hebrews 5:6; 7:17)

-         YHWH speaks to David’s Adonai again- making a promise on oath; no regrets.

-         The Great King is “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek”, a mysterious OT figure.

-         In Israel kings & priests were from different tribes (Judah & Levi).  Ill. King Uzziah

-         “King of righteousness”- He was a righteous king, ruling with justice & equity.

-         “King of Peace”- He cherished shalom- wholeness- in his kingdom.

-         A priest of God Most High, Melchizedek blessed Abram & received tithes from him.

-         Jesus, descended from David, is part of a different order of priests to save us.  Ill. LotR

-         David  envisions the Day of Wrath, the Day of Judgment upon His return.  Ill. Arragorn

-         This greater King strikes down (lethal blow) all who break peace with unrighteousness.

-         Jesus is a fearsome Conquering King (Rev. 19:11-16).  Not a hippie or businessman.

Transition: Messiah will return, and bring judgment on those who broke His peace.

III. Jesus was struck in the place of all who believe.

-         Why a priest?  All have broken God’s peace thru unrighteousness, deserving death!

-         The Son took on flesh, so as a priest, He received that lethal blow, saving from the King.

-         Jesus endured the wrath of God toward our disobedience & rebellion.

-         His one sacrifice did what Israel’s many sacrifices couldn’t do- remove guilt (Heb. 10)!

-         He lives forever, praying for all who believe, to save them completely (Heb. 7).

-         Trust Him- don’t let guilt keep you from God.  His sacrifice is more than sufficient.

-         Obey Him- don’t let temptation overtake you.  Remember the lethal blow sin deserves.

-         Worship Him- the Great King deserves loving adoration for His love toward us.

Conclusion: During His earthly ministry, Jesus’ glory was obscured.  He was meek.  The exalted Jesus is not safe- His righteous rule means judgment must fall.  It fell on Him first, to save His people from God’s wrath.  But for those who don’t believe, a day will arrive when it falls on them.  Deliverance from God’s wrath- what an incredible gift we can have thru His priestly work.