In some ways, the Messianic Psalms are a devotional delight. They allow us to focus on an aspect of the Messiah or His kingdom with either a magnifying glass or a telescope. Psalms invite us to make an application that has been tailored just to fit our form and life. It is important to see certain characteristics of Messianic prophecies.
Let’s think back to the Messianic themes we discovered as we studied through the second Psalm. We will be looking for the development of these themes through each of the Royal Psalms.
- The Lord Reigns – the story of a King and His kingdom
- The nations oppose God and His people in rage
- The Lord sends His Anointed One
- The Lord’s people are blessed
The message of John the Baptist and indeed Jesus Himself proclaimed “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 10:5-8, 23 Mark 1:13-14, Luke 10:9). In the NIV translation of the Bible, Jesus mentions the kingdom (either of God or heaven) 106 times. The kingdom explains God’s presence with His people. It proclaims the leadership structure of His people. The kingdom presents God’s people with the territory ruled by its king.
First, we are looking for evidence of the reign of Almighty God. “The Lord reigns” is seen as a theme through these psalms.
We also notice the rage of the nations. The nations represent the people who do not necessarily follow God. The makeup of this group of people ranges from those who simply do not care to those who violently oppose God’s people and ways. In the Old Testament, the nations were literal, but the meaning applies in a figurative way as well.
Next we look for the presence of the Lord’s anointed one. Israel’s concept of the anointed one was tied completely to the king and kingdom. From the time of Saul forward, God’s chosen king was anointed. Remember, there are two spiritual concept tied to this imagery. God himself fulfilled the role of King for Israel. He also promised that a day would come when His own anointed one – the One He would call His Son – would reign. In the Old Testament, He was called the Messiah. In the New Testament, the term used was Christ.
Finally we look at the blessings that come for the people who take refuge in the Anointed One. God does not abandon His people. They are more than just members of a kingdom. They become adopted into His family.
These characteristics of Messianic prophecies help us as we read and study through the Psalms.