Psalm 115 Part 1

Between Ps114 and 115, Jesus inaugurated the New covenant communion service with the bread and the wine. John13 had inserted a whole chapter that preceded Ps113. Jesus had previously washed the disciple’s feet and instructed us to do the same (John13:14-15.) It was a re-enactment of the whole plan of salvation & a memorial of His incarnation. He had previously laid aside His royal robes (v4) and stooped to become a servant – to cleanse the dust that had gathered on our fallen human natures from our pilgrimage in the wilderness of sin. Christ was conscious of who He was and what His destiny was about to be. This was another conscious decision to identify Himself with fallen humanity and to take our sin and sufferings upon Himself. Here again, Jesus is choosing to serve. This was an act of ministry from which even a Jewish slave was exempt. This was also Jesus’ last appeal to Judas as He washed his feet. Christ is first our substitute, taking the penalty of sin upon Himself, then He is our example in all things. He became poor so that by His poverty we might become rich! These Psalms are sublime and prophetic when we put them in the context of the last supper. Consider how these words were on the heart and lips of Jesus during this great moment.

This psalm is liturgical, intended to be sung by alternating groups of worshipers: the priests, the high priest, the people, and so on. Jesus was about to become our High Priest in the courtroom of heaven. As He sang this role now, time was about to turn on its hinge. As pictured in Revelation 1, Jesus is dressed as the high priest, He has become our ‘lawyer’ in the heavenly tribunal. If you put your case in his hands you cannot lose! “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom8:1.) With Jesus as your lawyer (High priest/advocate), there can be only acquittal. If there is one text that must break forth from every redeemed one as we enter heaven, it is v1 of this psalm!