Go! And Bow Before the King-Priest - Psalm 110
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with reverence and awe. Open our hearts to understand the power and majesty of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let the words of Scripture transform our minds, convict our hearts, and lead us to bow in worship before the risen King. May this message glorify Your name and lead many to salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 110 (NLT)
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit in the place of honour at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”
2 The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem;
you will rule over your enemies.
3 When you go to war,
your people will serve you willingly.
You are arrayed in holy garments,
and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.
4 The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.
He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.
6 He will punish the nations
and fill their lands with corpses;
he will shatter heads over the whole earth.
7 But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.
He will be victorious.
Introduction: A Psalm Like No Other
Psalm 110 is the most quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament. This Psalm gives us a glimpse into a divine conversation between God the Father and God the Son—a heavenly coronation where the eternal Son is appointed as both King and Priest.
Jesus isn’t just a teacher. He isn’t just a prophet. He is the enthroned King of kings, the great High Priest, and the eternal Saviour. And Psalm 110 invites us to Go! And bow before this King-Priest.
Point 1: Jesus Is the Exalted King (Psalm 110:1–3)
“The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honour at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’” (v.1)
This verse is a direct prophecy of Christ’s exaltation. David writes this psalm, yet speaks of two Lords:
“The LORD” – YHWH, God the Father.
“My Lord” – Adonai, referring to the Messiah.
Jesus Himself referenced this in Matthew 22:44, challenging the Pharisees on the identity of the Messiah:
“Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’?” (NLT)
This proves Christ’s pre-existence, His divinity, and His authority.
Hebrew Word Study:
Adonai – Master, Sovereign, Lord.
Yashab (??????) – "Sit" as in reigning, not resting. This is a throne, not a bench.
Philippians 2:9–11 (NLT): “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
Charles Stanley said: “Jesus doesn’t need to prove who He is—His throne proves it. Our role is to worship, obey, and proclaim Him.”
That’s the truth, beloved! His enemies will be humbled. But we have the joy of willingly serving Him now, not when it’s too late.
Are you living under His lordship? Is Jesus merely an idea to you, or is He your King? Because to follow Jesus is to submit to His rule. He isn’t an add-on to your life. He is your life.
Point 2: Jesus Is the Eternal Priest (Psalm 110:4)
“The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’”
This is the only time in the Old Testament that someone is declared both king and priest.
Who is Melchizedek?
Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14:18–20 as a priest-king who blesses Abraham. His name means “King of Righteousness”, and he was the King of Salem—which means “peace.”
He had no recorded genealogy, no beginning or end—symbolising an eternal priesthood.
In Hebrews 7:17 (NLT): “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
Greek Word Study:
Archiereus (????e?e??) – High Priest. One who intercedes, atones, and represents.
Jesus is not a Levitical priest. He is a superior priest, eternal, perfect, and sinless.
Tim Keller said: “Jesus is the only priest who can truly bring us to God because He is God.”
What a powerful truth! Only Jesus can reconcile us with the Father, because He offered not a lamb—but Himself.
You don’t need to earn access to God. Through Christ, your great High Priest, you already have it. When guilt or shame whispers you’re not worthy—remember, your Priest has already made you clean.
Point 3: Jesus Is the Victorious Judge (Psalm 110:5–7)
“He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts. He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses…” (v.5–6)
This is strong, sobering language. It reminds us: Jesus is not only Saviour—He is Judge.
Revelation 19:11–16 (NLT): “Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True… He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God… On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.”
The gentle Shepherd is also the mighty Warrior. The crucified Lamb is also the conquering Lion.
John Piper wrote: “The wrath of Christ is not contrary to His love—it is the expression of His holiness against sin.”
This should both comfort and convict us. Comfort, because evil will not win. Convict, because judgment is real.
The Courtroom of Eternity
Imagine standing in a courtroom. Every thought, every word, every action displayed on a screen. The Judge looks at you—and the verdict is guilty.
But then, Jesus steps forward. He says, “Father, I paid for that sin with My blood.”
Your record is wiped clean. The gavel comes down—not with a sentence, but with grace.
That is the Gospel. That is our hope.
Gospel Presentation:
Jesus, the exalted King, came down from heaven.
He lived the perfect life we could not live.
He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
Now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father—reigning and interceding for us.
Through His death, we are forgiven.
Through His resurrection, we are justified.
Through His priesthood, we are reconciled.
Will you repent and believe today?
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, Psalm 110 demands a response. You cannot remain neutral. Either Jesus is your Lord, or He will be your Judge.
Bow before the King now, and He will lift you up.
Trust in the Priest now, and you will never be condemned.
Pray with me:
Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, the King and the Priest. I confess my sins, and I turn from them. I trust You as my Saviour. I submit to You as my Lord. Cleanse me, forgive me, and make me Yours. Amen.
Call to Action for Believers:
Church, don’t just admire Jesus—obey Him. Follow Him. Serve Him. Worship Him. Declare Him.
Are you feeding on His Word daily?
Are you living in submission to your King?
Are you bringing others to the High Priest who can save them?
Let’s go—and live as people of the Kingdom.
Benediction:
May you walk in the strength of the One who reigns.
May your heart be refreshed by the One who intercedes.
May your life reflect the beauty of the One who is King, Priest, and Saviour.
Go—and bow before Him in every part of your life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
