Monday, July 4, 2022

Mark Jones (Trinitarian): Psalm 90:2 to be Read Christocentrically and in light of the Incarnation

Commenting on Psa 90:2, Mark Jones (Reformed) argues it should be read Christocentrically:  


Psalm 90 sets forth a rather magnificent testimony of the person of Christ. Verse 2 refers to Jesus: ‘Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.’ Here the glory of his person comes into full view. Jesus is also referred to in the rest of the psalm: he was taught to number his days (90:12); he passed away under the wrath of God (90:9); but God also established the work of Christ’s hands (90:17). Reading Psalm 90 Christocentrically, as all psalms need to be read, brings it to life. The verses that speak about God refer to Jesus; but the verses that speak about man also refer to Jesus. Now exalted in the heavenly places, his days have no number. Those who belong to him will not be able to number their days when they receive eternal life. (Mark Jones, Knowing Christ [Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2015], 37-38, emphasis added)

 

Reading Psalm 90 from the perspective of Jesus highlights the amazing condescension. Many see Christ present in verse 2 . . . While this is true, there are verses here that Jesus would have connected to his earthly life and ministry. In verse 23, for example, we are taught to ‘number of days’ in order to ‘get a heart of wisdom.’ Jesus did that. He numbered his days as he contemplated the fleeting character of this earthly life, and he made every day count. More than that God’s wrath brought Jesus’ life to an end, one he experienced with a troubled heart (90:7; see also Matt. 27:46). He ended his years like a sigh (90:9; see also Luke 23:46). But he also knew that the works of his hands would be established because the favour of the Lord was upon him (90:17). (Ibid., 86-87)