July 4
2 Kings 23:31-25:30 | PS 2:1-12 | Prov 18:13 | Acts 22:17-23:10
In the book of Psalms, Psalm 2 is the first of the Messianic Psalms. We read in Psalm 2:1-2, “ Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.” The word translated “his anointed one” is the Hebrew word Mashiach, or Messiah. This first portion of this Psalm describes Jesus’ rejection at His first coming. To further add strength to this, this portion of Scripture is quoted in Acts 4:25-26, followed in 4:27-28, “ “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will.” We read in Mark 11:18, “ When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.”. In Psalm 2:3, we read, ““Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.””, which Jesus illustrates in a parable about Himself in Luke 19:14, “ But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’”
But this Psalm shifts from Him being our Suffering Servant, rejected by the masses, in His first coming, to His second coming when He returns to take control of His kingdom. We read in Psalm 2:6-9, “ For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’” We see 2:6 quoted concerning Jesus in Hebrews 1:5, “ For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” Though Jesus came the first time to suffer for our sins and pay for our redemption, this same Jesus will come back to rule and reign forever. Though He has always been in charge, He will then establish His kingdom.
So, what is our response? In episode 7 of series 1 of “The Chosen” there is a beautiful interaction between Nicodemus and Jesus. When Nicodemus finally grasps who it is that Jesus is, he kneels and kisses Jesus’ hand. When Jesus asks him why he is doing this, Nicodemus quotes Psalm 2:12, (NKJV), “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way,…”. We should respond in like manner. Just because we might have heard about Jesus since we were very young should never lead us to take Him for granted. We read in 2:10-11, “ Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.” This fear is not being afraid of Him, but humbling ourselves in light of who He is, the awesome God that has been, is, and will always be in complete control of everything. The Messiah who loved us so much that He gave His life to redeem ours.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: