What does "Blessed is he who comes" reveal about recognizing God's messengers? Setting the Scene Psalm 118:26 declares, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.” When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowds echoed this line (Matthew 21:9; John 12:13). Later, Jesus reminded Israel, “You will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord’” (Matthew 23:39). The prophetic psalm, the triumphal entry, and the future promise all center on one truth: recognizing those sent by God. The Phrase Unpacked • “Blessed” – speaks God’s approval and favor. • “He who comes” – points to the one arriving on mission, not self-appointed. • “In the name of the LORD” – signals divine authorization, message, and character. Key Insights for Discernment • Alignment with God’s Word – God’s messengers never contradict Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). – Jesus perfectly fulfilled Psalm 118; faithful servants likewise uphold biblical revelation. • God-Centered, Not Self-Centered – The crowds blessed Jesus, not themselves (John 12:13). – True messengers deflect attention to God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Marked by Humility and Servanthood – Jesus entered on a colt, not a warhorse (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5). – Genuine representatives approach gently (2 Corinthians 10:1). • Evident Spiritual Fruit – Love, joy, peace, and the rest of the Spirit’s fruit authenticate a messenger (Galatians 5:22-23). – Jesus’ compassion for the blind and lame in the temple followed immediately after the shout of Psalm 118 (Matthew 21:14). • Costly Obedience – “He who comes” implies movement toward God’s will even when it leads to rejection (Luke 13:34-35). – Today’s faithful servants often bear reproach (Hebrews 13:13). Practical Tests for Today 1. Message Test—Does the teaching square with the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11)? 2. Motive Test—Is Christ exalted or is the messenger building a personal platform (Philippians 1:15-18)? 3. Moral Test—Is there visible holiness and integrity (1 Timothy 4:12)? 4. Mission Test—Is the goal to make disciples and advance God’s kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20)? 5. Manifestation Test—Are lives being transformed; is there lasting fruit (John 15:8)? The Heart’s Posture • Openness—The people who cried “Blessed” had hearts stirred by Scripture and Spirit. • Discernment—Later crowds shouted “Crucify Him!” showing emotion alone is unreliable; we must weigh everything by God’s Word (1 John 4:1). • Readiness—Jesus tied Israel’s future restoration to a willing acknowledgment of His messiahship (Matthew 23:39). Recognition precedes revival. Encouragement for the Church • Expect God to keep sending faithful servants until Christ’s return (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Honor those who labor in teaching and leadership (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Stay alert; deceptive voices will multiply, but Scripture equips us to identify the true (2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Looking Forward Revelation 19:11-16 portrays the ultimate “One who comes”—Christ on a white horse, Word of God, King of kings. Every accurate, humble messenger is a preview of that glorious arrival. By blessing those who truly come in the Lord’s name now, we practice for the day when “every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7) and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:11). |
    |