Psalm 89:1-4,19-29
A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite
1I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
2I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
3You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David:
4‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah
19Then you spoke in a vision to your faithful one, and said: “I have set the crown on one who is mighty, I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him;
21my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.
22The enemy shall not outwit him, the wicked shall not humble him.
23I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
24My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted.
25I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
26He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!’
27I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
28Forever I will keep my steadfast love for him, and my covenant with him will stand firm.
29I will establish his line forever, and his throne as long as the heavens endure.
Meditation
During the fourth week of Advent, we are bursting with anticipation and longing as the arrival of Jesus is upon us. Our hope is in sight and we are beyond excited for the arrival of God’s promised Holy One. We recognize that God’s love is about to be manifest on our world in the form a new born baby. Psalm 89 reminds us the love we celebrate is rooted in God’s promise to David. Beginning with praise for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness (vss.1-4) and providing a litany of wonders and attributes of God’s glory and justice (see vss. 5-18), the psalmist sets the stage to introduce a vision God blessed him with. The vision reiterates the Davidic covenant as a reminder of how much God loves us (vss. 19-29), even if things are messed up (see vss. 38-51). For us, this prophetic vision is fulfilled through Jesus Christ as David’s descendant that will rule “as long as the heavens endure.” When the psalmist recorded this prayer and vision, he had the hope that the Messiah would one day come and the faith that God keeps God’s promises. This vision is God’s way of reassuring the psalmist and all who heard and will hear this song, that the covenant with David is not forgotten. “What Wondrous Love is This” that God is faithful and sent Jesus Christ, as promised, to bind us to God’s self and each other. “Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and Amen” (vs. 52).
Merry Christmas!