Post by arete on Feb 13, 2014 20:52:33 GMT
Introduction:
This past autumn saw the election of the president of the US for the next four years. Some are encouraged and others discouraged at the outcome. However, the election does not change a fundamental reality: our ultimate ruler as Christians is the King, Jesus Christ. We are in Psalm 2 this morning, and we find there essential truths about the rule and sovereignty of God, not just over individuals, but also over the nations of the earth. Let’s turn there this morning…
Context:
Psalm 2 follows Psalm 1 on purpose. Psalm 1 told us of the two ways in life – the way of the wicked and the way of the godly. Now Psalm 2 answers what about the wicked men – especially nations and rulers as might rebel against God. We find in Psalm 2 a testimony of God’s sovereign rule over his creation and certain prophetic passages promising a future king and Son of God to rule in absolute righteousness. This psalm is both a royal and messianic psalm. Royal: focuses on the king as a son of David and as God’s instrument to rule his people; Messianic: describes some aspect of the Messiah’s person or ministry. There is no inscription as to an author, but Acts 4:25 identifies this as a Psalm of David. Acts 13:33 verifies this Psalm was the second in the book. This psalm is often quoted in the New Testament for its high claims for the person of God’s Anointed and its vision for his universal kingdom.
Body – Psalm 2 – ESV
The Reign of the Lord's Anointed
1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Rebellion of Man & Governments vv. 1-3
This psalm begins with the writer in shock (v.1). The “Why” is written in a way indicate shock that any would rebel against God. The psalmist knows that God is sovereign and any rebellion is ridiculous. It is ridiculous because God cannot be thwarted and because God alone always rules in justice, holiness, grace and mercy. So why would anyone want to rebel?
The writer moves next to the plot of the rebellion (v. 2). The phrase “plot” is the same verb as “meditate” in 1:2. While the godly man meditates on God’s law, wicked men fill their minds with rebellion against God & against his anointed. The idea of “setting themselves” is a military phrase meaning they are willing to wage war on God & his anointed. The term “anointed” can technically mean kings, priests, & prophets of God. Anointed is fulfilled to the utmost in the person of Jesus Christ.
The fullness of the plot is revealed (v. 3). While the godly man meditates on God’s law so that he can submit to God’s will, the wicked men and wicked nations want to throw off the law and will and word of God. The wicked demand to rule themselves by their own wicked values.
Prophecy is found in this section (vv. 1-2). Acts 4:25 quotes from here as a reference to Calvary. This rebellion against God and his anointed reaches its pinnacle of evil at the cross.
Illustration:
Continuing in Acts 4, the apostles have been arrested and threatened and told not to speak of Jesus Christ, they remembered this psalm and the war that would be waged against God, “for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:27-29 ESV)
Application:
Wicked people will refuse, reject and rebel against God, against his word, and against his Christ. How do you think they will respond to God’s people then? We should never be surprised that wicked people and wicked nations seek to throw off any moral and holy teaching of Scripture. We should never be surprised if and when we are treated poorly because we proclaim God and Jesus Christ. We should pray for boldness to speak God’s word, God’s way to all of God’s creatures. We should trust God to use or feeble efforts to speak his truth in his sovereign wisdom. His word never proceeds from him without accomplishing everything he intends his word to do (Isaiah 55:11)
Response of God vv. 4-6
We find that God is not impressed with man’s might and man’s rebellion (v. 4). No matter how invincible and mighty a man, a king, or a nation believes themselves to be; no matter how much such a rebel might look in a mirror and be impressed with himself – God finds it funny. They think to mock God; he is the one who mocks at them.
God moves from mockery to wrath at such rebellion (v. 5). Can you imagine what terror would fill your heart if you heard the voice of God in heaven speak to you with anger in his voice? Can you imagine the fear that the fury of God should create in a heart? Yet, the wicked refuse to submit. The fear could be a gift – a last chance to repent. But to ignore the wrath of God is suicidal.
God’s angry voice speaks a message of impeachment (v. 6). He declares their rule to be over. He uses language that is a formal declaration of the installation of a leader. This is a coronation. He has set up his own king –the only king – upon Zion. We again see prophecy at work. The king is Jesus Christ.
Illustration:
The wicked plots against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming. Psalm 37:12–13.
Application:
God’s people have only one true king of their hearts, minds, and lives. This is the idea found in 1 Peter 2:11, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” We are foreigners living for a time in a land that is not our true home. Yes, we should be good citizens in every possible way, but when we are forced to choose between our king and his law and the values of the wicked in the land around us – is there really any choice? One day every knee will bow before the true king. As God’s children and Christ’s true subjects – bow now.
Rule of God’s King vv. 7-9
The psalmist tells us that God rules by sovereign decree (v. 7). God speaks and it is so. God’s words are ultimate reality and are eternal in nature because he is eternal.
The decree enlarges on the pledge of adoption given to David’s heir in 2 Samuel 7:14 (v. 7-9). The psalm includes both the promise to David concerning his royal lineage and the prophecy of the Messiah who would be born of that lineage – Jesus Christ. Christ is the heir of David that inherits the full value of this decree. God’s proclamation of his Son at Jesus’ baptism & coronation are drawn from this verse & Isaiah 42:1 (see Matt 3:17; 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17)
The decree is yet to be wholly fulfilled (vv. 8-9). Christ will rule the entirety of the earth. Christ will conquer all rebellion. The fulfillment of these things will be at the end of days as recorded in the book of Revelation.
The fulfillment in Revelation quotes from this section three times (v. 9). It is used of Christ’s beneficent rule over all believers (2:27). It is also used to describe Christ’s rule in general (12:5). It is used again to describe Christ’s judgment upon the wicked (19:5). The idea of the rod is that of the shepherd’s crook. It is the same tool used to govern and protect the sheep as the tool used to bring justice on the bandit or predator who would steal the sheep. Christ’s scepter is a crook
Illustration:
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-16 ESV)
Application:
All people will be subject to God’s king. Rebels against God and his king will meet a rebel’s fate. They will receive divine justice in all its terribleness. God’s people will bow to their king. Our king is much more than a king, but he is no less than the true king. He is also our Savior, our friend, our older brother. He is our source of all grace and mercy. We have what all men look for – a leader who is forever and always worth following.
Royal Warning vv. 10-12
The psalmist offers a word of warning to those who would rebel against God (v. 10). Wisdom is called for – in the Scriptures – wisdom is the fear and knowledge of the Lord. In light of what they learn about their rebellion and God’s nature, there is only one, wise course of action.
The rebels are told to serve and fear God (v. 11). The two are in parallel as a comparison. This fear and service are not exclusive to one another. The service is their response to his sovereignty. He rules over all the creation. The fear is the wise response to the just punishment that comes to those who do not serve their rightful God and King.
The rebels are also warned to be sincere in their service (v. 12a-b). “Kiss the Son” is a play on words that indicates they must serve and fear him in purity or sincerely. Political expediency, political lies and compromises are not allowed. They must serve him whole-heartedly and with love. The only other option is to receive their just reward for rebellion – eternal death. He may delay his wrath, but there comes a time when the rebellion must be dealt with – and his justice will be fast, true, and everlasting.
Psalm 1 opened with a blessing; Psalm 2 ends with a blessing (v. 12c). Those who take refuge in King Jesus as their Rock and Salvation receive the blessing of a right relationship with him. They do not need to fear God’s eternal wrath. But to reap the full blessing, we must be good and faithful servants to our King.
Illustration:
"Serve the Lord with fear;" let reverence and humility be mingled with your service. He is a great God, and you are but puny creatures; bend, therefore, in lowly worship, and let a [loving] fear mingle with all your obedience… Fear, without joy, is torment; and joy, without holy fear, would be presumption… It is an awful thing to perish in the midst of sin… Take heed… for "our God is a consuming fire." Note the [final verse]:—"Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Have we a share in this blessedness? Do we trust in him? Our faith may be slender as a spider's thread; but if it be real, we are in our measure blessed. The more we trust, the more fully shall we know this blessedness. [Therefore we say]…"Lord, increase our faith." (CH Spurgeon)
Application:
God’s people are his people because of Jesus Christ alone. “The wisdom of God has ordained a way for the love of God to deliver us from the wrath of God without compromising the justice of God” (John Piper). Indeed, “Blessed are all who take refuge in [Jesus Christ].”
So What? What do we do with these truths?
The wicked are going to reject God’s person and his word. That is the definition of wicked. Don’t be surprised that wicked men will act wickedly toward God, toward his son and toward his people.
Rejection by wicked men does not negate God’s sovereignty. No matter how wicked a person, a ruler, or a country may be – God remains firmly and fully upon heaven’s throne.
All men must stand before the Sovereign Lord and His King. Those who have rebelled will be crushed by the King’s scepter. The loyal subjects of King Jesus will be tenderly shepherded and defended by the same scepter.
All men are best known by their relationship with the Sovereign Lord through Jesus Christ. The wicked are lost because they reject God and the Christ. God’s children are saved because of who they are in Christ.
Make no mistake. God is on the throne. Even in the midst of a wicked world, God reigns. Whether we are led by wicked rulers or righteous rulers, God rules still. The wicked and rebellious will receive justice if they remain sinful. But pray for all of our governing authorities that if they are rebels that they might come to love and serve Christ. Also pray that they might have wisdom to fear God and lead according to his will. Above all, keep your eyes firmly set upon your true king and your lives set to his blessed service.
Benediction:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3 NRSV)
This past autumn saw the election of the president of the US for the next four years. Some are encouraged and others discouraged at the outcome. However, the election does not change a fundamental reality: our ultimate ruler as Christians is the King, Jesus Christ. We are in Psalm 2 this morning, and we find there essential truths about the rule and sovereignty of God, not just over individuals, but also over the nations of the earth. Let’s turn there this morning…
Context:
Psalm 2 follows Psalm 1 on purpose. Psalm 1 told us of the two ways in life – the way of the wicked and the way of the godly. Now Psalm 2 answers what about the wicked men – especially nations and rulers as might rebel against God. We find in Psalm 2 a testimony of God’s sovereign rule over his creation and certain prophetic passages promising a future king and Son of God to rule in absolute righteousness. This psalm is both a royal and messianic psalm. Royal: focuses on the king as a son of David and as God’s instrument to rule his people; Messianic: describes some aspect of the Messiah’s person or ministry. There is no inscription as to an author, but Acts 4:25 identifies this as a Psalm of David. Acts 13:33 verifies this Psalm was the second in the book. This psalm is often quoted in the New Testament for its high claims for the person of God’s Anointed and its vision for his universal kingdom.
Body – Psalm 2 – ESV
The Reign of the Lord's Anointed
1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Rebellion of Man & Governments vv. 1-3
This psalm begins with the writer in shock (v.1). The “Why” is written in a way indicate shock that any would rebel against God. The psalmist knows that God is sovereign and any rebellion is ridiculous. It is ridiculous because God cannot be thwarted and because God alone always rules in justice, holiness, grace and mercy. So why would anyone want to rebel?
The writer moves next to the plot of the rebellion (v. 2). The phrase “plot” is the same verb as “meditate” in 1:2. While the godly man meditates on God’s law, wicked men fill their minds with rebellion against God & against his anointed. The idea of “setting themselves” is a military phrase meaning they are willing to wage war on God & his anointed. The term “anointed” can technically mean kings, priests, & prophets of God. Anointed is fulfilled to the utmost in the person of Jesus Christ.
The fullness of the plot is revealed (v. 3). While the godly man meditates on God’s law so that he can submit to God’s will, the wicked men and wicked nations want to throw off the law and will and word of God. The wicked demand to rule themselves by their own wicked values.
Prophecy is found in this section (vv. 1-2). Acts 4:25 quotes from here as a reference to Calvary. This rebellion against God and his anointed reaches its pinnacle of evil at the cross.
Illustration:
Continuing in Acts 4, the apostles have been arrested and threatened and told not to speak of Jesus Christ, they remembered this psalm and the war that would be waged against God, “for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:27-29 ESV)
Application:
Wicked people will refuse, reject and rebel against God, against his word, and against his Christ. How do you think they will respond to God’s people then? We should never be surprised that wicked people and wicked nations seek to throw off any moral and holy teaching of Scripture. We should never be surprised if and when we are treated poorly because we proclaim God and Jesus Christ. We should pray for boldness to speak God’s word, God’s way to all of God’s creatures. We should trust God to use or feeble efforts to speak his truth in his sovereign wisdom. His word never proceeds from him without accomplishing everything he intends his word to do (Isaiah 55:11)
Response of God vv. 4-6
We find that God is not impressed with man’s might and man’s rebellion (v. 4). No matter how invincible and mighty a man, a king, or a nation believes themselves to be; no matter how much such a rebel might look in a mirror and be impressed with himself – God finds it funny. They think to mock God; he is the one who mocks at them.
God moves from mockery to wrath at such rebellion (v. 5). Can you imagine what terror would fill your heart if you heard the voice of God in heaven speak to you with anger in his voice? Can you imagine the fear that the fury of God should create in a heart? Yet, the wicked refuse to submit. The fear could be a gift – a last chance to repent. But to ignore the wrath of God is suicidal.
God’s angry voice speaks a message of impeachment (v. 6). He declares their rule to be over. He uses language that is a formal declaration of the installation of a leader. This is a coronation. He has set up his own king –the only king – upon Zion. We again see prophecy at work. The king is Jesus Christ.
Illustration:
The wicked plots against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming. Psalm 37:12–13.
Application:
God’s people have only one true king of their hearts, minds, and lives. This is the idea found in 1 Peter 2:11, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” We are foreigners living for a time in a land that is not our true home. Yes, we should be good citizens in every possible way, but when we are forced to choose between our king and his law and the values of the wicked in the land around us – is there really any choice? One day every knee will bow before the true king. As God’s children and Christ’s true subjects – bow now.
Rule of God’s King vv. 7-9
The psalmist tells us that God rules by sovereign decree (v. 7). God speaks and it is so. God’s words are ultimate reality and are eternal in nature because he is eternal.
The decree enlarges on the pledge of adoption given to David’s heir in 2 Samuel 7:14 (v. 7-9). The psalm includes both the promise to David concerning his royal lineage and the prophecy of the Messiah who would be born of that lineage – Jesus Christ. Christ is the heir of David that inherits the full value of this decree. God’s proclamation of his Son at Jesus’ baptism & coronation are drawn from this verse & Isaiah 42:1 (see Matt 3:17; 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17)
The decree is yet to be wholly fulfilled (vv. 8-9). Christ will rule the entirety of the earth. Christ will conquer all rebellion. The fulfillment of these things will be at the end of days as recorded in the book of Revelation.
The fulfillment in Revelation quotes from this section three times (v. 9). It is used of Christ’s beneficent rule over all believers (2:27). It is also used to describe Christ’s rule in general (12:5). It is used again to describe Christ’s judgment upon the wicked (19:5). The idea of the rod is that of the shepherd’s crook. It is the same tool used to govern and protect the sheep as the tool used to bring justice on the bandit or predator who would steal the sheep. Christ’s scepter is a crook
Illustration:
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-16 ESV)
Application:
All people will be subject to God’s king. Rebels against God and his king will meet a rebel’s fate. They will receive divine justice in all its terribleness. God’s people will bow to their king. Our king is much more than a king, but he is no less than the true king. He is also our Savior, our friend, our older brother. He is our source of all grace and mercy. We have what all men look for – a leader who is forever and always worth following.
Royal Warning vv. 10-12
The psalmist offers a word of warning to those who would rebel against God (v. 10). Wisdom is called for – in the Scriptures – wisdom is the fear and knowledge of the Lord. In light of what they learn about their rebellion and God’s nature, there is only one, wise course of action.
The rebels are told to serve and fear God (v. 11). The two are in parallel as a comparison. This fear and service are not exclusive to one another. The service is their response to his sovereignty. He rules over all the creation. The fear is the wise response to the just punishment that comes to those who do not serve their rightful God and King.
The rebels are also warned to be sincere in their service (v. 12a-b). “Kiss the Son” is a play on words that indicates they must serve and fear him in purity or sincerely. Political expediency, political lies and compromises are not allowed. They must serve him whole-heartedly and with love. The only other option is to receive their just reward for rebellion – eternal death. He may delay his wrath, but there comes a time when the rebellion must be dealt with – and his justice will be fast, true, and everlasting.
Psalm 1 opened with a blessing; Psalm 2 ends with a blessing (v. 12c). Those who take refuge in King Jesus as their Rock and Salvation receive the blessing of a right relationship with him. They do not need to fear God’s eternal wrath. But to reap the full blessing, we must be good and faithful servants to our King.
Illustration:
"Serve the Lord with fear;" let reverence and humility be mingled with your service. He is a great God, and you are but puny creatures; bend, therefore, in lowly worship, and let a [loving] fear mingle with all your obedience… Fear, without joy, is torment; and joy, without holy fear, would be presumption… It is an awful thing to perish in the midst of sin… Take heed… for "our God is a consuming fire." Note the [final verse]:—"Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Have we a share in this blessedness? Do we trust in him? Our faith may be slender as a spider's thread; but if it be real, we are in our measure blessed. The more we trust, the more fully shall we know this blessedness. [Therefore we say]…"Lord, increase our faith." (CH Spurgeon)
Application:
God’s people are his people because of Jesus Christ alone. “The wisdom of God has ordained a way for the love of God to deliver us from the wrath of God without compromising the justice of God” (John Piper). Indeed, “Blessed are all who take refuge in [Jesus Christ].”
So What? What do we do with these truths?
The wicked are going to reject God’s person and his word. That is the definition of wicked. Don’t be surprised that wicked men will act wickedly toward God, toward his son and toward his people.
Rejection by wicked men does not negate God’s sovereignty. No matter how wicked a person, a ruler, or a country may be – God remains firmly and fully upon heaven’s throne.
All men must stand before the Sovereign Lord and His King. Those who have rebelled will be crushed by the King’s scepter. The loyal subjects of King Jesus will be tenderly shepherded and defended by the same scepter.
All men are best known by their relationship with the Sovereign Lord through Jesus Christ. The wicked are lost because they reject God and the Christ. God’s children are saved because of who they are in Christ.
Make no mistake. God is on the throne. Even in the midst of a wicked world, God reigns. Whether we are led by wicked rulers or righteous rulers, God rules still. The wicked and rebellious will receive justice if they remain sinful. But pray for all of our governing authorities that if they are rebels that they might come to love and serve Christ. Also pray that they might have wisdom to fear God and lead according to his will. Above all, keep your eyes firmly set upon your true king and your lives set to his blessed service.
Benediction:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3 NRSV)