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Psalm 21 - God's power

Psalm 21

 God's Power

 Introduction
Psalm 21 is a testimonial Psalm written by David - written as a contrast between God's work for His king and His destruction of His enemies, and a single verse of praise at the end.

Summary
v1-7 God's relationship with His king
v8-12 God's destruction of His enemies
v13 Praise

God's relationship with His king
God's relationship with His king is described by David in many ways - but one thing is common throughout David's description. From verses 1-6, it is focused solely on God giving to the king.
-King rejoices in God's strength
-King has great joy in the victories God gives
-God grants him the desire of his heart
-God does not withhold the request of his lips
-God welcomes His king with rich blessings
-Placed a crown of pure gold on his head
-Gave life to His king, length of days, for ever and ever
-Bestowed on him splendor and majesty
-Granted eternal blessings
-Made him glad with the joy of God's presence

And finally, verse 7 where the king finally reciprocates God's grace - by trusting in the Lord, and he will not be shaken because of the unfailing love of the Most High.

God's destruction of His enemies
God's destruction of His enemies is described many times in the book of Psalms. Here in Psalm 21, a unique thing stands out. David brings in the concept of God's appearing. Many times before this Psalm (even though yes, the Psalms are not chronologically written), David has hinted at help from Zion. Here in Psalm 21, he makes the link - that God Himself will appear to man.

"At the time of your appearing, you will make them like a fiery furnace."

He goes on to describe the image we often know as hell - the fiery furnace, God's fire consuming the wicked.

Finally, David puts across the point that where man may plot evil and devise wicked schemes against God, they cannot possibly succeed.

Takeaway
This passage points us in the 2 ways we can live our lives.
1. To live as God's enemy
- To plot and scheme, and at the end when Jesus returns again to judge, to be consumed by His fire, to face His judgement.

2. To live as God's king
- To be recipient of all His blessings, and to be held firm by His unfailing love

Wait what? God doesn't anoint all of us kings, that'll be madness!
David, as God's anointed king, had a special relationship with God. By always striving to obey God and please Him, David was often blessed by God in many ways.
Today, we all enjoy this special relationship with God through our Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus, having died on the cross, has bridged the hostility between man and God, allowing for us to come to God in repentance. God has forgiven our sin, and He, out of His goodwill, treats us like David himself. Should we choose to trust in the Lord, He is more than willing to care for His creation.

Which way are we living now? Do we live as God's kings, beneficiaries of His promise, or as God's enemies, awaiting God's judgement?
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