Joel M Bradshaw

6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions–Psalm 45

Psalm 45 reads like romantic chapter from the Song of Solomon. In fact, many think the psalm describes Solomon and one of his wives. Others have also interpreted this psalm with the Messiah in mind. The Messiah would be God’s anointed King who would rule like only God could. And Psalm 45 is one if the reasons we know this. Isaiah 9 and Jeremiah 23 also famously continue this theme.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7, with emphasis)

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’ (Jeremiah 23:5-6, with emphasis)

1. God’s throne is forever and ever.
2. God’s anoints (‘Messiahs’) a King to rule literally and exactly like Him.
3. This anointing sets the Messiah apart from every other king.
4. This Messiah though born as a man is thus described with titles and attributes only given to God.
5. He uniquely would represent God the Father as the Son. He eternally reigns on God’s throne.

So if you struggle with the Gospels and Jesus being both God and man, I invite you to ponder if Jesus did in fact fulfill the old prophecies like the ones listed. Would 1-5 above describe Jesus of the New Testament? The word ‘Christ’ isn’t Jesus’ last name, but rather a title (based on the Greek Christos for Messiah). Thanks for joining me during this Messianic Moment.–JMB