The King Above Kings

The Scriptures today set before us one Lord and two responses to Him: willing obedience or stubborn ruin. Joshua’s victory, the psalm’s enthroned king, Jeremiah’s overflowing judgment, and Paul’s gospel all meet in Christ. The same Lord who gave victory to Joshua now reigns at the right hand of the Father; His kingdom is not a tale of words only, but a present rule that brings enemies low and gathers a holy people.

Irenaeus says of the psalm, "The said to my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool." This is the honor of Christ. Yet His enemies are not only the nations that rage outside; they are also the sins men defend within. Pride, uncleanness, ingratitude, malice, and contempt for God’s truth are all rebellion against the King. Paul does not let the hearer stand at a distance and judge the pagans; he shows how men refuse to glorify God, and by that refusal become darkened and shameless.

Therefore the gospel is no permission to remain as we were. Paul was sent as a debtor, under command, to bring the nations into the obedience of faith. The church likewise must not boast, but serve. If Joshua’s enemies were cast down, how much more should we cast down our vices? If flood and sword came upon the proud, let us fear. If Christ reigns in the midst of His enemies, let us be found among His willing people, adorned not with noise but with holiness: prayer at the appointed hours, mercy to the poor, chastity, truth-telling, and steadfast repentance.

The King is patient, but He is not mocked. Kiss the Son by obeying Him.