Psalm 21
Schools, colleges and universities having closed more than a term before the end of the academic year, cohorts of students will miss their graduation celebrations. That outpouring of relief having gone through the struggle of study and examination. Proud parents buy cards, organize meals, friends gather together to celebrate with joy. In a sense the battle is over. Teachers, lecturers and parents are worrying that the students will miss out on this right of passage.
In a time when many are preoccupied with stressful situations, the battle is not over and we are still in the midst of it all, many will be wondering if they will ever celebrate with joy again. Psalm 21 concentrates on the time after the battle when the crisis at the top of the mountain has been overcome and does so in the name of the king. Whilst psalm 21 is a psalm of David it is also a messianic psalm that rejoices in the victory of the king to come, the Lord Jesus.
Jesus’ battle took place on the cross as he overcame sin and death for the sake of his people and now there is great rejoicing. ‘The king rejoices in your strength, Lord. How great is his joy in the victories you give.’ v1 His great desire is the salvation of his people and this has not been withheld. v2 He is now crowned in glory and ‘a crown of pure gold’ v3 has been placed on his head. Even through the spiritual, emotional and physical torment of Gethsemane and Calvary he trusted in the unfailing love of God the Father. ‘For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.’ v8
The bible is clear, there will be judgement and evil will be destroyed, even if that seems very far off. In David’s imagery, ‘Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.’ v8 That does not mean there will not be suffering and grief on the way. There is hope and expectation that we will come to a time of celebration again through the victory of Jesus Christ.
My hope is built on nothing less:-