Psalm 89:20 – I have found David, my servant
“That’s a tough act to follow.” You hear this said after a great performance on stage, or when a well-respected leader steps down. People hesitate after a marvelous display of ability, uneasy about being compared to what came before.
After David’s reign as Israel’s king, did his successors hesitate? David was certainly a great leader. Psalm 89 celebrates the LORD’s finding of this son of Jesse, “one chosen from the people” (v. 19). God called him “my servant,” and anointed him with holy oil (v. 20). David was equipped for great things: from bravely leading Israel’s armies to beautifully composing psalms of praise. Despite his failings, he was a man after God’s own heart. Who could ever succeed him?
Yet in covenant the LORD had promised exactly that: David’s line would continue. There’d always be a son of David on Israel’s throne. This Psalm says each son would enjoy God’s favour in the blessings of safety and protection, power and authority, endurance and honour.
And there were some great sons in David’s line: Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah. Each of these men too, were beset by sin. Yet God blessed their leadership so that Israel experienced times of influence, prosperity and peace.
Then, surprisingly, one of David’s sons even surpassed him. This Psalm prophesies about one who’d sit on David’s throne forever, Jesus Christ. Already when he was born, the angel announced: “The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33). Where David and others so often failed, this Jesus was completely faithful in his task. Anointed with the Spirit, he did everything that God asked of him, even being crucified as “The King of the Jews.”
Now risen and ascended, Jesus is King not just of Israel, nor only of the church, but of all the world. And his kingdom is eternal, for his enemies have all been conquered utterly: sin, Satan and death.
Now this perfect, glorious and eternal King wants your worship, and expects your trust. He says to you,
“I’m your King. I’ve freed you from the dominion of darkness, and brought you into the kingdom of light.
Now I want your whole life lived for me.
In all things, I want your happy trust and joyful service.
I’m your King: Honour me!”