SCRIPTURE: Psalm 68
When he went up to his place on high, he led a line of prisoners. He received gifts from people, even from those who refused to obey him. The Lord God went up to live on Mount Zion. (Psalm 68:18)
This is a victory song sung by people desperate for victory over their enemies.
We’re disgusted by the ‘wading in blood’ or ‘dogs licking the enemies blood’, but keep in mind this is what was happening to them.
This song celebrates the turning of the tables on cruel and heartless oppressors.
Imagine your loved ones tortured, raped, mutilated, to sense the context.
It celebrates the enthronement of the Good King, and bad people being overcome.
The Psalmist is picturing people bringing gifts to this Good King.
But because He is a Good King, not an abuser of the people, He blesses them.
He shares His wealth, making sure everyone shares in the bounty of His reign.
Paul uses this Psalm to describe Jesus – the Good King – being enthroned!
But each one of us has received a gift of grace, just as Christ wanted us to have it. That is why Scripture says, “When he went up to his place on high, he led a line of prisoners. He gave gifts to people.” (Psalm 68:18) What does “he went up” mean? It can only mean that he also came down to the lower, earthly places. The One who came down is the same as the One who went up higher than all the heavens.” (Ephesians 4:7-10)
Paul expands the original to demonstrate the blessing of the Good King.
We are the beneficiaries of God’s goodness, blessed with an abundance of spiritual blessings.
According to Paul, our gifts, our resources, our callings, our opportunities, etc. are gifts from the victorious King, meant to be shared with all.
In Christ, God has defeated greed, cruelty and evil; in Christ God has restored His good kingdom; in Christ, God has blessed us abundantly; in Christ, God shares that blessing through us with all people.
Are we serving this Good King, sharing the good blessings of this Good King?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, You are a father to the fatherless, You take care of widows, You give lonely people a family, You set prisoners free. help us to receive these blessings with joy and singing, and to share them with others!