The Forgotten Psalm (9)

Week 9 – A Willing People, Again Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 Series: The Forgotten Psalm: Recovering the Reigning Christ of Psalm 110 Texts: Psalm 110:3; Romans 12:1–2 (LSB) Title: A Willing People, Again Big Idea: The Church offers herself freely under the King.

Series Recap & Introduction

We are now in Week 9 of our 13-week series on The Forgotten Psalm—Psalm 110. This psalm is the most quoted passage from the Old Testament in the New Testament. It is God’s favorite Psalm, if frequency is any indication. It forms the spine of early Christian theology and shapes both Christology and eschatology.

So far, we've followed its thread through the Gospels, Acts, Hebrews, and Paul. Last week, we exposed the danger of postponing Christ’s reign. A postponed reign always creates a powerless Church. Luke 19 warned us against that false expectation and charged us to “do business” under the rule of the already-enthroned King.

Today we continue that charge.

And fittingly, it’s also the second Sunday of Advent. While the world is looking back to a manger, and forward to Christ’s return, Psalm 110 keeps us anchored in the present: Christ reigns now. And His people volunteer freely in the day of His power.

Context and Background

Psalm 110:3 says this:

“Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, the dew of Your youth will be Yours.”

This is poetic language, but it speaks of God’s people offering themselves willingly to their King—not by force, not under compulsion, but because they’ve seen His glory and they respond with joy. This is the spirit of Advent obedience—not waiting around for the King to come fix things, but stepping forward in willing devotion under His reign now.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 12:

“Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual service of worship.”

In other words, the reign of Christ produces not just acknowledgment, but offering. Not just belief, but surrender. This is how the Church shows she remembers her King—by presenting herself as a willing sacrifice.

Exposition

1. “Your people will volunteer freely…” (Psalm 110:3a)

This is the divine response to Christ’s enthronement. Psalm 110:1 declares, “Sit at My right hand,” and verse 3 shows the result: a people who rush forward to serve their King.

This is not a passive crowd. This is a priestly army. The verb here means to offer oneself freely, spontaneously, joyfully. The same word was used in the Old Testament for freewill offerings brought to the tabernacle. The Church is not dragged into obedience—she steps forward in power because her King reigns.

In contrast to the “lazy slave” of Luke 19 who buried his mina, these are those who pour themselves out for the King. Willingly. Eagerly. Fully.

2. “…in the day of Your power” (Psalm 110:3b)

When is the “day of His power”? Some would say it’s still in the future. But the New Testament says otherwise.

Pentecost was the beginning of that day—when Christ was seated at the right hand of God and poured out His Spirit (Acts 2). That day continues. We are living in the day of His power. He is ruling now. And the Church’s response in this age is supposed to reflect that: not passive waiting, but active volunteering.

This is what Advent obedience looks like—not sitting around for Christ to return, but moving under His current authority.

3. “In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn…” (Psalm 110:3c)

This poetic image carries multiple meanings: purity, newness, resurrection light. “From the womb of the dawn” implies fresh beginnings—a new people birthed in the light of the King’s reign.

“Holy splendor” speaks of the adornment of the saints—the Church clothed in righteousness, reflecting the beauty of her King. This isn’t about grim duty. It’s about radiant glory. When Christ reigns, His people shine.

4. “…the dew of Your youth will be Yours.” (Psalm 110:3d)

Another image of multiplication, freshness, and strength. Dew is plentiful, refreshing, unstoppable. This is what willing people look like in the day of His power—numerous, renewed, strong in the Spirit.

The King’s army does not shrink back. It comes like the dawn. It covers the earth like dew. That’s what Psalm 110 envisions—not a defeated remnant hiding in fear, but a holy host marching under heaven’s authority.

5. Romans 12:1–2 – Our Willing Offering

Paul brings this same theme into practical focus:

“Present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, pleasing to God.”

This is voluntary surrender, echoing the language of Psalm 110. And it’s not just abstract worship—it’s tangible obedience. It’s daily choices, daily holiness, daily courage. Not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds.

This is how Christ’s reign is seen—not just in preaching, but in people who live under the crown.

Application Points

Ask yourself: Am I a willing servant or a cautious observer? Psalm 110 is not about duty—it’s about delight. The King wants volunteers, not hostages.

Respond to Advent by stepping forward, not backing away. This is the season of Christ’s coming—but He has already come. He already reigns.

Offer your life as worship, not just your words. Romans 12 says your body is your altar. Surrender every part.

Stop waiting for a better season to obey. Today is the day of His power. Your obedience matters now.

Shine in holiness like morning dew. Purity is not legalism—it’s radiance. Let your life reflect the reign.

Multiply for the Kingdom—don’t bury the mina. Advance the gospel. Raise up disciples. Serve with urgency and joy.

Gospel Call

The King is not waiting to reign—and you shouldn’t wait to repent.

The One seated at the right hand of the Father (Psalm 110:1) is calling for volunteers—not perfect people, but surrendered ones.

Christ, the Priest-King, shed His blood to make a people holy. His reign is not built on fear—it’s built on mercy. And today, His people still step forward freely in the day of His power.

Don’t resist Him. Don’t delay. Don’t bury the gift.

Come under the reign of the Priest who gave Himself for you.

Come under the rule of the King who was raised for you.

Come to Christ—and become one of the willing.