Psalm 89: The Chosen One
Psalm 89 is a ‘game of two halves’. The first half tells us about the Covenant between God and his Chosen One, to raise him up as King forever. Then – WHAM – suddenly the Covenant is busted and the Chosen One is road-kill! Psalm 89 helps us understand why the cross was “foolishness to the Greeks and a stumbling block to the Jews” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Here it is in two voices: one is the Father’s voice, the other a witness to the crucifixion. I have made a covenant with my Chosen My promise will outlast time I crown him as King forever! Him? King forever? His crown is made of thorns! He is whipped and bleeding, spat on and laughed at. I have blessed him mightily poured out oil on his head so all will know that I am with him and I am the Lord! So where are you now? Have you deserted him now? Are you hiding? Your Messiah is dying! My promise cannot be broken! His kingdom will shine like the sun and outlive the moon. He is carrying in himself all the insults, all the wrong of all the people. How could you let this happen, God!? My Chosen One, my Son - He will break the power of death! My love is greater! My promise stands! Blessed be the Father of Love and the Crucified King, with the Spirit, forever and ever! Amen and amen! |
Psalm 89 (verses 19-52):
A Vision of Messiah God spoke to Ethan the Ezrahite in a vision, saying “I have chosen one to be King I have anointed him with my holy oil. I have laid my hand on him, my strong arm is his. He is the firstborn, the everlasting king, to rule until the stars cease to burn. My love, strong to save, is on him forever. He will cry to me, “You are my Father, my God and the Rock of my salvation!” The covenant between me and my Messiah can never be broken. Once and for all I declare my promise: while the sun shines he will reign, while the moon gleams he is my witness.” Then the voice stopped but the vision continued. Ethan the Ezrahite was shocked by what he saw: the crown of the Annointed One was crushed underfoot, he has lost the battle and his walls are battered down. He stands alone and all who pass by laugh and spit at him. He is dying – dying! – covered with shame!! Ethan the Ezrahite cried out to God: “How long, O Lord? How long will you hide your face? Who can live? Is death really the end? Where is your steadfast love? What of your promise?!” As the voice and the vision collided within him, Ethan the Ezrahite returned in trust to his God: “I praise you, Lord, now and forever. Amen and amen.” |