SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Psalm 68:1-36
Ephesians 6:10

Am I a soldier of the cross?

THE CHURCH MILITANT AND THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

After David’s failure in his first attempt to bring the Ark back from exile to Jerusalem, he prepared assiduously the second time according to the Law of Moses to sanctify the Levites to carry it. This Psalm is thought by devout commentators to be David’s composition for the auspicious yet solemn occasion. David led before the Levites and he increased the grandeur of the holy company with a choir singing and shouting joyously to the accompaniment of an orchestra of wind and string instruments. In this processional liturgy, as it is called, it is natural to recall all the mighty acts of God in the history of the Israelites, beginning with the Exodus. The wilderness journey is mentioned, with high points mentioned all the way, Sinai at the beginning, Bashan at the end (but leaping across centuries) to Mount Zion, “the hill of God” (Ps 68:15-16). At Mt Zion begins the royal rule of God under David. Hence the mention of Benjamin immediately paying homage, and of Zebulun and Naphtali that come to add strength to the kingdom (1 Chron 12:29, 33, 34). The Church might have many faithful denominations like the tribes of Israel, nevertheless under God and our Lord Jesus Christ, they are one.

From the Davidic throne in Jerusalem unifying the twelve tribes, the king looks beyond to further conquests, so that the Empire of David and Solomon stretched from Egypt to Assyria. With the martial races subdued, even Egypt now became tributary to Israel, yea, also Ethiopia “shall soon stretch out her hands unto God” (Ps 68:31b).

Now, verse 18 is a description of the king returning in triumph to his throne on Mount Zion after battle. In the triumphal return, the king, taking his enemies captive, also brings home spoils for his people. The Apostle Paul applies this verse in Ephesians 4:7-12 to Christ’s ascension and bestowing spiritual gifts to the Church His subjects. The Church below continues to fight Christ’s battle, so we are called the Church militant. The Church up above with Christ is the Church triumphant.

THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 68:1.)
PRAYER: (Use Psalm 68:19.)