Is it an ottoman or a hassock? Grandma Davidson called it a hassock. Most people I know nowadays call it an ottoman. Of course, Grandma D also called every other thing a “whatchamacallit”, as in, Adam, hand me that whatchamacallit, to which I would think but never say out loud “you’re gonna have to narrow that down a bit, Grandma.” I had learned from experience that it wasn’t a candy bar she was after. The phone book, a piece of RevereWare, the hassock (or is it an ottoman?), the tin sifter — all ancient things things from long ago. Who knows what any of these things were actually named. Had Grandma been in charge of naming the animals in Eden, we’d go to the zoo to behold the beauty of the BobbyLarryTimAdam and the majestic walking hassock.

Either way, we tend to put our feet up on something, and that something — in furniture terms — is usually called an ottoman. We Davidsons are large enough that it takes two independent structures to hold us up. Probably all the Whatchamacallit candy bars.

Anyway, when David (the Psalmist) says of the Lord in Psalm 110:1b (NLT) “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool for your feet,” we’re given an image of royalty, power, and victory. The bad guys who once spent their energy trying to stop the Lord are now using their energy to uphold the glory of the Lord, which is the most spiritually weighty thing there is. In Jesus, we see a powerful King whose Kingdom overcomes every other rule and authority. There’s an intentional showy-ness to this victory in that the win is readily apparent and obvious to even the disengaged observer.

Peter references this verse in Acts 2 as the final clincher before landing the sermon plane, saying “…let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!” After that, their hearts were pierced and they were at a loss for what to do next. We dare not take for granted the victory portrait this paints for the believer.

In the end, Jesus clearly wins. The empty tomb proves it; His ascension to heaven and position at the right hand of the Father proves it; His return will seal the deal for all time. Enemies will be translated from threat to servant of the King. That’s how it ends.

But it’s not the end yet. We’re still in the middle of it. Some enemies are already converted to ottomans. Every time a person is set free from sin, released from strongholds, dark places are inundated with light — this is a glimpse of the miraculous, a hint of the final rule and reign of King Jesus, whose feet will be well supported.

What are we to do in the interim? Pray. Of course, that’s always the answer, right? Our tendency is to subconsciously think “yeah, prayer is good… but where’s the fight in that?” Friend, that is the fight. Every prayer for Christ’s victory in the world is a prayer that makes enemies into ottomans. Enemies are humbled by the power of God that is called upon via prayer. When we pray, we’re asking all of heaven to bring the fight to the battle we’re in, and that victory will come. Sometimes it’s an instant release, other times it’s numberless prayers uttered over a span of time. Whether it’s today or next month or at the final culmination, every enemy will be overcome. The energy they used to fight against God’s people will be converted to upholding the glory of the Lord.

So — that’s one way to see our prayer. Bold, courageous, and honest: God, there’s darkness here, and we’re asking that you would subdue these enemies of darkness with your inescapable light. Speak truth to lies. Set your people free. God loves these prayers because we are joining Him in a battle that’s already won and living as if God is actually powerful enough to crush enemies. He is.

As I was praying this morning, I found myself praying for people and the stuff they’re dealing with — heavy, gut-wrenching, dark stuff — and asking God to make those enemies a footstool for the feet of Jesus. I’m not even worthy to untie His sandals, but I am called upon to pray for a place for Him to rest His feet. Of course, there’s no need for Jesus to rest, but you can’t deny the power of the image.

We live in a time where evil has a certain reign over the world. But we are given the Word, the Spirit, and our context to honor the Lord by proclaiming His victory in the lives of the people and communities around us. Let’s pray like that. Jesus, make these enemies a footstool for your feet. And don’t stop asking. After all, it’s just a matter of time before heaven includes a complete ottoman (hassock) of enemies glorifying the Lord.