The kingdom and glory of Christ.
"Ask," etc. We have the highest authority for regarding this psalm as a prophecy of the kingdom and glory of Christ. Interpreters labour in vain to fix on some occasion in Israel's history to account for its composition. No adequate explanation can be imagined of its scope and language but that given in Acts 4:25 (comp. Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5). Acts 4:10-12 would be blasphemous arrogance if spoken by and of a mere earthly king. Here is a declaration and a condition.
I. THE DECLARATION.
1. The voice of supreme authority. A grant of absolute dominion over the whole human race. This must be a Divine promise; else it were meaningless, impious (Psalms 22:28). Subordination is implied, as in 1 Corinthians 15:27; and in our Saviour's own declarations (John 6:38; John 15:1). But not inferior nature. If it were—if Jesus were human only—then the gospel would have immeasurably lowered our position towards God; put us further away, instead of bringing us nigh. For under the old covenant, Jehovah himself was King and Shepherd of Israel. On the other hand, the real Manhood of Christ is as indispensable to this Kingship as his Deity (see John 5:27).
2. Or' almighty power. What God promises, he is able to perform. How? How is human freedom reconciled with Divine control of all things, from the counsels of kings (Proverbs 21:1) to the sparrow's fall (Matthew 10:29)? A problem this that utterly defies human reason. But practically it is solved by faith and prayer (Philippians 2:13; Daniel 4:35).
3. Of Divine faithfulness. God's word is pledged and cannot be broken (Isaiah 11:9, Isaiah 11:10). As matter of right, the kingdom is Christ's (Matthew 28:18). It shall be so in fact (1 Corinthians 15:25) one day.
II. THE CONDITION. "Ask of me."
1. Our Lord Jesus personally fulfilled this condition, claimed the fulfilment of the promise, when he said, "I have finished," etc. (John 17:4; comp. Philippians 2:9-11).
2. But Christ is one with "the Church, which is his body." As he by his intercession makes our prayers his own, so we are to make this great request ours. He has taught us to set it foremost in our prayers: "Thy kingdom come" (comp. Psalms 72:15; and note the commencing fulfilment, Acts 1:14).
CONCLUSION.
1. The scope of Christian hope and effort is as wide as God's presence—it embraces the whole world (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:8).
2. God's promises await our prayers (John 16:23).