1 00:00:00,040 --> 00:00:04,280 Thank you, Chris and Steve and members of Trinity Church. 2 00:00:04,280 --> 00:00:09,200 It's a delight to be with you. It's a joy year after year we 3 00:00:09,200 --> 00:00:12,960 have this wonderful delight of having a a conference and then 4 00:00:12,960 --> 00:00:17,000 capping that conference with this opportunity to join you in 5 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:20,520 worship around God's Word. We, those of us who travel in 6 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:22,360 and visit, don't take that for granted. 7 00:00:22,960 --> 00:00:27,920 It's just a delight to be hosted by you and helped to cap our 8 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:30,600 thoughts in this way this morning. 9 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:32,720 A couple of things maybe before I begin. 10 00:00:33,920 --> 00:00:38,080 Some of you have asked already. Is that a typo in the bulletin? 11 00:00:38,560 --> 00:00:42,200 Psalm 2 goes to the Muni. What's a muni? 12 00:00:42,920 --> 00:00:46,640 Some of you will know there's a good traffic between Rochester 13 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:49,400 and Saint Louis. You'll know that this is a a 14 00:00:49,400 --> 00:00:53,080 well known outdoor theatre venue, but if that's causing you 15 00:00:53,080 --> 00:00:56,880 to stumble, feel free to substitute. 16 00:00:56,880 --> 00:01:01,480 Psalm 2 goes to the Muni for Psalm 2 goes to the Rochester 17 00:01:01,480 --> 00:01:05,040 Civic Centre. That's OK, we can do that 18 00:01:05,040 --> 00:01:08,760 together. Another just a couple of brief 19 00:01:08,760 --> 00:01:13,120 remarks as we head into Psalm 2 as we think about a more 20 00:01:13,320 --> 00:01:18,040 familiar portion of Scripture. It it can be helpful, I think if 21 00:01:18,040 --> 00:01:23,640 I just give you 2 tidbits of background, 2 features that 22 00:01:23,640 --> 00:01:28,440 might help us read and hear this Psalm a little a little better. 23 00:01:28,920 --> 00:01:32,920 I want to make a brief note about the placement of Psalm 2 24 00:01:33,280 --> 00:01:39,120 and a brief note about Psalm 2's function regarding placement. 25 00:01:39,520 --> 00:01:44,600 Psalm 2 is actually a complement to Psalm 1. 26 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:52,160 Both Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 seek to cultivate a disposition of 27 00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:55,400 wisdom. They're calling us to reflect. 28 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:59,840 They're going to call us to make a choice as to which path we 29 00:01:59,840 --> 00:02:05,720 might walk in. Both Psalms will call us to walk 30 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:11,440 in the way of righteousness, to obey God's appointed king rather 31 00:02:11,440 --> 00:02:14,720 than to follow the wicked into folly. 32 00:02:15,800 --> 00:02:19,720 Both Psalms, by the way, are linked by the word blessed. 33 00:02:20,480 --> 00:02:23,640 Psalm one begins with that language. 34 00:02:23,760 --> 00:02:28,280 Psalm 2 concludes with the language of blessed. 35 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:33,960 Together, these two psalms are a doorway into the whole Psalter. 36 00:02:34,800 --> 00:02:39,120 This is a very deliberate placement as to function. 37 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:45,280 It seems most likely that Psalm 2 functioned as part of Israel's 38 00:02:45,280 --> 00:02:49,880 liturgy as a way of enabling the Old Covenant people of God to 39 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:55,200 celebrate the coronation of a new king, or to celebrate 40 00:02:55,200 --> 00:03:01,840 annually the confirmation of the king that God had raised up in 41 00:03:01,840 --> 00:03:05,880 Israel's midst. But I think this is important. 42 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:12,600 Psalm 2 functions idealistically rather than strictly 43 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:16,880 historically. That is, Psalm 2 is not 44 00:03:17,080 --> 00:03:21,600 referring to a particular historical occasion, to a 45 00:03:21,600 --> 00:03:28,760 particular coronation event. Rather, it reflects upon the 46 00:03:28,960 --> 00:03:35,760 opposite of what is ideal. Whereas the Gentile world stands 47 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:40,640 to benefit from Israel's presence in their midst as the 48 00:03:40,640 --> 00:03:44,760 chosen people of God through whom blessing might come. 49 00:03:44,880 --> 00:03:48,880 What we read about, what we recognize is that rather than 50 00:03:48,880 --> 00:03:52,920 bowing before Israel's king, rather than enjoying and 51 00:03:52,920 --> 00:03:58,240 participating in a stable rule, divine favour, there are many 52 00:03:58,480 --> 00:04:04,120 who remain rebellious, rejecting God's good provision, rejecting 53 00:04:04,240 --> 00:04:09,160 God's guidance, setting themselves up in opposition. 54 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:14,640 I don't think that's an altogether unfamiliar sentiment 55 00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:18,880 even for us. But that's enough background. 56 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:22,720 Let's read. Let's hear Psalm 2 together. 57 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:29,480 Psalm 2. Why do the nation's rage and the 58 00:04:29,480 --> 00:04:33,880 people's plot in vain? The kings of the earth set 59 00:04:33,880 --> 00:04:39,480 themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the 60 00:04:39,480 --> 00:04:45,240 Lord and against His anointed, saying, Let us burst their bonds 61 00:04:45,240 --> 00:04:49,480 apart, castaway their cords from us. 62 00:04:51,480 --> 00:04:54,120 He who sits in the heavens laughs. 63 00:04:55,000 --> 00:04:59,800 The Lord holds them in derision, Then he will speak to them in 64 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:06,120 his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, As for me, I 65 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:09,840 have set my king on Zion, my holy hill. 66 00:05:11,720 --> 00:05:16,920 I will tell of the decree. The Lord said to me, You are my 67 00:05:16,920 --> 00:05:23,080 son today I have forgotten you ask of me, and I will make the 68 00:05:23,080 --> 00:05:27,520 nations your heritage, the ends of the earth your possession. 69 00:05:28,560 --> 00:05:33,960 He shall break them with a rod of iron, dash them in pieces 70 00:05:34,400 --> 00:05:41,240 like a Potter's vessel. Now therefore, O kings, be wise, 71 00:05:41,920 --> 00:05:46,920 be warned. O rulers of the earth, Serve the 72 00:05:46,920 --> 00:05:55,120 Lord with fear, rejoice with trembling kiss the sun blessed 73 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:59,160 to be angry with you, and you perish in the way, for His wrath 74 00:05:59,160 --> 00:06:06,160 is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge 75 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:10,840 in Him. Let's pray and ask God's help as 76 00:06:10,840 --> 00:06:13,360 we come to this portion of His word. 77 00:06:14,760 --> 00:06:17,800 Oh God our Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather 78 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:22,720 as we continue to worship you. We pray that you would be in our 79 00:06:22,720 --> 00:06:27,160 midst and that you, through your Spirit, would help us to grasp 80 00:06:27,160 --> 00:06:30,920 this meaning of your word. Help us to hear it in a fresh 81 00:06:30,920 --> 00:06:35,200 way. Help us to draw comfort from it. 82 00:06:36,280 --> 00:06:38,680 Continue with us as we worship you. 83 00:06:39,320 --> 00:06:43,800 This morning we ask it in Jesus name, Amen. 84 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:51,560 Interesting. I find it's a common feature of 85 00:06:51,840 --> 00:06:57,040 of Christian expression across time and place that we sing. 86 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:02,840 Singing is synonymous with Christian faith, it seems. 87 00:07:03,640 --> 00:07:07,600 Even yesterday, as we wrapped up our conference, we did so in 88 00:07:07,600 --> 00:07:09,440 song. Already. 89 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:13,480 This morning, as we've gathered for services of worship, we sing 90 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:17,680 again. As we turn to Psalm 2, One of 91 00:07:17,680 --> 00:07:22,440 the reasons why we can continue to sing is because God is 92 00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:27,520 leading us towards a world united under his compassionate 93 00:07:27,520 --> 00:07:31,520 control. There's something to sing about. 94 00:07:32,640 --> 00:07:37,640 Contrary to the news headlines, the multiple talking points of 95 00:07:37,640 --> 00:07:43,360 our political parties, even our own internal fears, we can sing 96 00:07:43,360 --> 00:07:49,720 Psalm 2, remembering the true story of which we are a part, 97 00:07:49,880 --> 00:07:56,400 resting in the future that God will bring and into which we 98 00:07:56,640 --> 00:08:01,560 will be welcomed. As we will see, even amid the 99 00:08:01,560 --> 00:08:06,440 tumult of worldly rebellion, God never loses control. 100 00:08:07,080 --> 00:08:13,040 God, as he cease to call us to Himself through His Son, our 101 00:08:13,040 --> 00:08:18,600 Divine King, the one greater than David, our Saviour, God's 102 00:08:18,600 --> 00:08:22,960 good purposes remain sure and steadfast. 103 00:08:24,120 --> 00:08:27,200 As a way of hearing these familiar themes, as a way of 104 00:08:27,200 --> 00:08:33,039 coming to this passage, I want to invite you to visit the Muni 105 00:08:33,200 --> 00:08:36,799 with me. I want to welcome you down to 106 00:08:36,799 --> 00:08:39,880 Saint Louis, just a little bit down the track here. 107 00:08:40,640 --> 00:08:43,640 For those who don't know quite what I'm inviting you to. 108 00:08:43,960 --> 00:08:48,480 The Muni is a beloved St. Louis attraction, a wonderful 109 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:53,600 outdoor Amphitheatre in Forest Park that seats about 11,000 110 00:08:53,600 --> 00:08:59,360 people and every summer brings to its stage wonderful theatre, 111 00:08:59,440 --> 00:09:04,960 wonderful recitals, wonderful concert performances all summer 112 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:09,280 long. Going to the Muni is a staple of 113 00:09:09,280 --> 00:09:13,760 life in Saint Louis. In fact, this summer the Muni 114 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:19,360 will celebrate it's 100th and 7th continuous season. 115 00:09:20,160 --> 00:09:24,960 So I'm going to invite you now. I want you to imagine that this 116 00:09:24,960 --> 00:09:30,760 Muni that I've invited you to is going to perform for us. 117 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:38,040 Psalm 2, in keeping with my adopted imagery, I want you to 118 00:09:38,040 --> 00:09:42,960 welcome, I want you to imagine that you're coming with me, and 119 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:46,760 afterwards that we're going to reserve a few moments to reflect 120 00:09:46,760 --> 00:09:51,000 together on what we've seen and heard performed. 121 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:54,880 I want to work your imagination a little bit this morning. 122 00:09:56,000 --> 00:10:01,120 So come with me to the Muni. Let's see and hear Psalm 2. 123 00:10:02,360 --> 00:10:07,960 It's a fine summer's evening. We've got good seats, nice and 124 00:10:07,960 --> 00:10:13,160 close to the front. The stage looks outstanding. 125 00:10:14,200 --> 00:10:20,480 As the curtains raise, we are plunged immediately into a 126 00:10:20,480 --> 00:10:25,600 chaotic and tumultuous scene. Scene 1. 127 00:10:26,120 --> 00:10:33,440 The Gentile kings are in revolt. Considering these opening 128 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:39,560 verses, we see on stage flashes of light, smoke filled air and 129 00:10:39,560 --> 00:10:43,160 we hear angry mobs, brash outbursts. 130 00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:49,680 What is it that's going on? As our senses adjust, we start 131 00:10:49,680 --> 00:10:54,160 to make sense of the scene unfolding before us. 132 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:59,960 It's a revolt. The raucous crowd assembling on 133 00:10:59,960 --> 00:11:06,200 stage are leaders, important figures, various people who are 134 00:11:06,200 --> 00:11:12,920 scheming and plotting against the Lord, against the Lord's 135 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:16,640 anointed one. They demand their freedom. 136 00:11:17,400 --> 00:11:22,400 They resist being asked to submit to God and to the King 137 00:11:22,600 --> 00:11:28,840 that he's appointed. As we take in this scene, two 138 00:11:28,840 --> 00:11:35,600 things deserve comment. 1st, we note the psalmist sense of 139 00:11:35,600 --> 00:11:38,520 astonishment. When the psalmist asks the 140 00:11:38,520 --> 00:11:43,160 questions Why do the Nation's rage and the people's plot, he's 141 00:11:43,160 --> 00:11:45,480 not really seeking more information. 142 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:50,040 He's actually not signalling surprise. 143 00:11:51,120 --> 00:11:55,960 He's certainly not worried. Rather, he's expressing 144 00:11:55,960 --> 00:12:01,120 astonishment at the folly that's unfolding. 145 00:12:01,880 --> 00:12:06,840 What is driving this senseless rejection of divine rule? 146 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:10,840 Why are the nations so discontent? 147 00:12:12,200 --> 00:12:19,200 They want to take down Yahweh? Why bother with such a futile 148 00:12:19,480 --> 00:12:24,400 act? The psalmist is astonished by 149 00:12:24,400 --> 00:12:30,720 what he recounts. 2nd We might note the nation's sense of 150 00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:35,000 againstness. As verse 3 makes plain, this 151 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:41,000 noisy display of faux unity is an attempt at rebellion, the 152 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:45,120 nation's wish to be read not simply of Israel's king, but of 153 00:12:45,120 --> 00:12:49,920 the king of kings that stands behind They want to be free. 154 00:12:50,720 --> 00:12:55,080 They want to live autonomously. They want to function without 155 00:12:55,240 --> 00:13:00,840 constraint. Interestingly, we told that they 156 00:13:00,840 --> 00:13:05,280 plot. We find the very same word in 157 00:13:05,280 --> 00:13:10,760 Psalm 1, where it's translated meditate in Psalm 1. 158 00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:13,960 The godly meditate on God's word. 159 00:13:14,280 --> 00:13:17,960 In Psalm 2. The ungodly rulers of the nation 160 00:13:18,120 --> 00:13:22,680 meditate in the sense of devising schemes, of pondering 161 00:13:22,680 --> 00:13:27,200 over plots that will achieve their desired autonomy. 162 00:13:28,600 --> 00:13:33,800 And yet such plans have no real substance to them. 163 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:38,160 We're told that these plans are in vain. 164 00:13:39,600 --> 00:13:43,120 We catch another glimpse of this later in biblical history, don't 165 00:13:43,120 --> 00:13:45,720 we? Well, we see the Israel 166 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:49,080 Israelites and the Greeks, where we see the state and the church 167 00:13:49,320 --> 00:13:52,400 overcome their obstacles, their differences, to conspire 168 00:13:52,400 --> 00:13:56,840 together to thwart the Messiah, to kill Jesus. 169 00:13:59,200 --> 00:14:02,160 The nation's Rage Against the Anointed One. 170 00:14:02,480 --> 00:14:07,640 But God's plan stand firm. There is no breaking free of 171 00:14:07,640 --> 00:14:10,720 God's rule. And Jesus, who is killed by the 172 00:14:10,720 --> 00:14:16,760 hands of wicked men, is raised up by the Father and inaugurates 173 00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:22,000 the Kingdom that he continues to reign over. 174 00:14:22,720 --> 00:14:28,640 There is no casting God aside. And yet, I think, if we're 175 00:14:28,640 --> 00:14:32,760 honest, it's not just the nations in the ancient world. 176 00:14:32,760 --> 00:14:35,600 It's not just the powers of the 1st century. 177 00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:39,360 But is there not something of this in our own hearts? 178 00:14:40,200 --> 00:14:45,800 Are we not tempted to live free, to go, to learn, to just try 179 00:14:45,800 --> 00:14:50,680 life on our own turns? Do we not sometimes chafe at the 180 00:14:50,680 --> 00:14:57,320 call to submit, even although we're taught again and again 181 00:14:57,600 --> 00:15:01,840 that this rule is good and gentle and beneficial? 182 00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:10,880 The Gentiles rage scene 2 The response of the divine King. 183 00:15:11,440 --> 00:15:17,160 Thinking here of verses 4 to 6. As we perhaps shift in our 184 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:21,920 seats, as we continue to take stock of what we see, we notice 185 00:15:21,920 --> 00:15:26,400 the noise has stopped. More than that, the whole scene 186 00:15:26,560 --> 00:15:30,120 has changed. The setting is no longer 1 of 187 00:15:30,320 --> 00:15:35,440 earthly revolt, but of a heavenly throne room. 188 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:39,960 There's no more yelling. There's no more tumult. 189 00:15:40,960 --> 00:15:50,400 Just an awe inspiring silence. A silence suddenly punctured by 190 00:15:50,400 --> 00:15:54,840 what? By laughter, and then by a 191 00:15:54,840 --> 00:16:00,240 voice, A resolute voice declaring support for Israel's 192 00:16:00,400 --> 00:16:03,800 king. The Lord is unperturbed, his 193 00:16:03,800 --> 00:16:07,360 choice unassailable. God has made-up his mind in 194 00:16:07,360 --> 00:16:12,080 which direction the course of human history will unfold. 195 00:16:12,280 --> 00:16:17,480 He's already set in place the Davidic household, and 196 00:16:17,480 --> 00:16:22,600 eventually he will elevate David's greatest son above all 197 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:25,920 Thrones and principalities and dominion. 198 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:35,280 The course of history is set. Two contrasts are worth our 199 00:16:35,560 --> 00:16:40,280 consideration. We notice first, while the kings 200 00:16:40,280 --> 00:16:44,560 of the earth set themselves against the Lord, against his 201 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:51,520 anointed in verse 2, the Lord sets his king in Zion in verse 202 00:16:51,520 --> 00:16:55,520 6. As the nations dig in, so does 203 00:16:55,520 --> 00:16:59,800 the sovereign. Lord Zion represents the city of 204 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:02,400 Jerusalem. It's the place in which God 205 00:17:02,600 --> 00:17:05,880 dwells. His anointed 1 is His servant, 206 00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:11,640 the Davidic King, whose task it is to witness to and to enact 207 00:17:11,839 --> 00:17:18,160 God's rule on earth. God confounds the wicked and 208 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:21,800 continues as His wisdom dictates. 209 00:17:22,480 --> 00:17:27,200 He's unmoved. 2nd, we notice another contrast. 210 00:17:27,520 --> 00:17:34,200 While the nation's rage in verse one, the Lord laughs in verse 4. 211 00:17:34,840 --> 00:17:39,800 Quite frankly, the rebellion playing out is laughable from 212 00:17:39,800 --> 00:17:42,520 the point of view of God's throne room. 213 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:48,000 But the Lord here is not laughing just to ridicule them. 214 00:17:49,200 --> 00:17:53,160 He's laughing because he knows his day is coming. 215 00:17:54,080 --> 00:17:57,160 From the vantage point of his sovereign plan, he's neither 216 00:17:57,160 --> 00:18:01,920 challenged nor dismayed by the protests of the ungodly. 217 00:18:02,880 --> 00:18:08,040 He's completely secure. His laugh is 1 of settled 218 00:18:08,280 --> 00:18:13,760 confidence with the raging and the plotting and the threatening 219 00:18:13,920 --> 00:18:19,680 simply noise that he rather mercifully tolerates for a time. 220 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:24,880 For a time there is a point of no return. 221 00:18:25,520 --> 00:18:28,520 There is a point in time in which God will not laugh any 222 00:18:28,520 --> 00:18:31,640 further, but will respond definitively. 223 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:36,400 Verse 5. Then, then he will speak to them 224 00:18:36,560 --> 00:18:40,320 in his wrath and terrify them in his fury. 225 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:45,920 Perhaps we can capture the character of God's response this 226 00:18:45,920 --> 00:18:50,600 way from time to time. At home in Saint Louis, we we 227 00:18:50,600 --> 00:18:52,440 have ants on the kitchen counter. 228 00:18:52,960 --> 00:18:55,000 I don't know if that's a Saint Louis thing, or maybe you have 229 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:58,600 that here in Rochester, but seasonally, the ants 230 00:18:58,600 --> 00:19:02,840 inexplicably appear and they find their way to the kitchen 231 00:19:02,840 --> 00:19:05,800 counter. It's never really represented a 232 00:19:05,800 --> 00:19:08,960 threat. We continue on business as 233 00:19:08,960 --> 00:19:12,520 usual. But the other day I I did take 234 00:19:12,520 --> 00:19:16,680 notice. I saw the that the ants on my 235 00:19:16,680 --> 00:19:20,960 counter seemed to follow me across the kitchen. 236 00:19:22,960 --> 00:19:27,040 As I moved left. I, I watched this little trail 237 00:19:27,040 --> 00:19:32,120 of ants come after me. As I went back the other way to 238 00:19:32,120 --> 00:19:37,400 the right, those ants turned and began to follow me. 239 00:19:38,360 --> 00:19:41,440 How odd. I I went and found a magnifying 240 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:45,920 glass and I, I stooped down from where I was to look more closely 241 00:19:45,920 --> 00:19:48,600 at what I was seeing. And it dawned on me. 242 00:19:49,720 --> 00:19:56,320 Those ants were protesting me. I saw through my magnifying 243 00:19:56,320 --> 00:20:01,920 glass, little Ant fists Down with the Ryan family. 244 00:20:03,080 --> 00:20:06,600 This kitchen's owls. We're taking over. 245 00:20:07,120 --> 00:20:12,240 Up with the ants and power. These ants were mad. 246 00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:17,440 They were organized. They did not like living under 247 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:23,320 the rule of our kitchen. And as the situation sank in, I 248 00:20:23,360 --> 00:20:26,760 couldn't help but chuckle and laugh. 249 00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:35,680 And then I took my morning newspaper, and the rebellion was 250 00:20:35,760 --> 00:20:41,600 over. That's the Lord's response here. 251 00:20:42,960 --> 00:20:48,240 The rebellion's real. It's noisy, It's organized, it's 252 00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:52,400 agitated. The Lord laughs at such a 253 00:20:52,400 --> 00:20:56,080 rebellion. He dismisses those who lead it. 254 00:20:56,560 --> 00:21:02,360 He moves forward with his plans, undaunted, unimpeded. 255 00:21:03,080 --> 00:21:09,360 Beloved, our Lord God is steadfast sovereign, not swayed 256 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:17,000 or impeded or held back by the consternation of men and women 257 00:21:17,160 --> 00:21:22,160 and nations and leaders. This is a good word for our 258 00:21:22,160 --> 00:21:26,120 time. I hope we're reading the Word of 259 00:21:26,120 --> 00:21:28,960 God more than we are than our newspaper headlines. 260 00:21:29,760 --> 00:21:33,160 I hope we're giving stock to Psalm 2 more frequently than our 261 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:39,480 favorite worried podcaster. Again and again the Lord speaks 262 00:21:39,480 --> 00:21:43,920 into our situation and through Psalm 2 and many other passages, 263 00:21:43,920 --> 00:21:46,560 says to us people of God, fear not. 264 00:21:47,320 --> 00:21:51,720 The world has not gone to seed. The chaos is in hand. 265 00:21:51,920 --> 00:21:55,640 My purposes are steadfast and sure. 266 00:21:56,800 --> 00:22:06,840 Fear not, Scene 3. The Davidic king speaks. 267 00:22:08,400 --> 00:22:12,480 We learn about God's declaration to Israel's king. 268 00:22:12,480 --> 00:22:17,160 Verses 7 to 9 Leaving our Saint Louis kitchen, returning our 269 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:21,840 attention to the stage before us, we find that a new voice has 270 00:22:21,840 --> 00:22:25,320 begun to speak. It's the voice of the Davidic 271 00:22:25,320 --> 00:22:30,280 King with a steady tone, with the same resolve as the Divine 272 00:22:30,280 --> 00:22:35,760 King who stands back of him. He speaks to us of his own 273 00:22:35,880 --> 00:22:39,440 appointment. I will tell of the decree. 274 00:22:40,360 --> 00:22:44,160 The Lord said to me. You are my son today. 275 00:22:44,160 --> 00:22:49,000 I've forgotten you ask of me. I will make the nation's your 276 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:52,160 heritage, the ends of the earth, your possession. 277 00:22:53,880 --> 00:22:57,920 He shall break them with a rod of iron, dash them in pieces 278 00:22:58,360 --> 00:23:03,160 like a Potter's vessel. Several things, I think, call 279 00:23:04,080 --> 00:23:07,600 our attention. First, we might note the 280 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:11,240 progression of titles. We have a reference to the 281 00:23:11,240 --> 00:23:16,360 Lord's anointed in verse 2, then to my king in verse 6, and then 282 00:23:16,520 --> 00:23:19,680 taken further. This Davidic king is referred to 283 00:23:19,680 --> 00:23:24,080 twice, verse 7, verse 12, as my son. 284 00:23:25,120 --> 00:23:30,880 This human partner is adopted by the Holy One. 285 00:23:31,920 --> 00:23:38,320 This human partner is counted as a son, as an agent in God's 286 00:23:38,320 --> 00:23:44,280 purposes in the world. Second, we might notice the 287 00:23:44,280 --> 00:23:48,920 content of this decree having been adopted. 288 00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:54,680 This king and son is expected to rule in the place of God. 289 00:23:54,880 --> 00:24:00,960 He's called to represent the Father Almighty, but this decree 290 00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:06,240 impacts not just the installed King, but it involves the 291 00:24:06,240 --> 00:24:11,960 nations who are gifted to Him who ought to benefit from His 292 00:24:11,960 --> 00:24:15,400 rule. For the rule of the Lord's 293 00:24:15,400 --> 00:24:21,280 anointed is intended to bring stability and to result in 294 00:24:21,280 --> 00:24:25,840 blessing the King, as is true of the whole nation. 295 00:24:26,040 --> 00:24:29,440 He's called to be a light to the nations. 296 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:33,640 This rule, friends, is not despotic. 297 00:24:34,600 --> 00:24:37,640 It's not selfish or self oriented. 298 00:24:37,640 --> 00:24:41,000 It's not narcissistic. It's not a raw power grab. 299 00:24:42,720 --> 00:24:48,760 This is the rule of stewardship, of representation, of securing a 300 00:24:48,760 --> 00:24:54,080 greater good in the name of one who is entirely good. 301 00:24:55,400 --> 00:25:00,560 Third, we might recognise also that these words are echoed 302 00:25:01,240 --> 00:25:07,600 later in the biblical story. Psalm 2 appears at Jesus baptism 303 00:25:08,520 --> 00:25:14,240 and at Jesus transfiguration. Further, Paul uses these words 304 00:25:14,440 --> 00:25:16,880 in reference to Jesus resurrection. 305 00:25:17,960 --> 00:25:22,120 You see, ultimately we're to understand the emergence of the 306 00:25:22,120 --> 00:25:27,040 Davidic King and the Davidic line, the establishing of a 307 00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:31,200 rulership within the life of Israel, something that was a 308 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:38,880 confirmation to Abraham, but to us is a reminder of a true and 309 00:25:38,880 --> 00:25:44,520 greater David who is to come, one whose reign would be truly 310 00:25:44,520 --> 00:25:48,640 worldwide, whose power would be absolute. 311 00:25:49,360 --> 00:25:55,320 David's greatest son is Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Saviour. 312 00:25:55,760 --> 00:26:00,200 Again and again the New Testament directs us back to 313 00:26:00,200 --> 00:26:06,520 Psalm 2 and to Jesus as the divine Son and King with whom we 314 00:26:06,600 --> 00:26:13,240 all have to do. In multiple sections of the New 315 00:26:13,240 --> 00:26:19,080 Testament the language of Psalm 2 is echoed, drawn from. 316 00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:22,400 In Acts chapter 4 we hear an echo. 317 00:26:22,640 --> 00:26:28,040 Peter teaches us that the Christ cross was the epitome of what 318 00:26:28,040 --> 00:26:33,920 the nations raged against. In John chapter 3, John reveals 319 00:26:33,920 --> 00:26:38,880 that salvation or destruction depends upon our relationship 320 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:42,040 with Jesus. In Hebrews one we read that 321 00:26:42,040 --> 00:26:46,320 Christ is the Son of God that was sent into the world who 322 00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:49,160 fulfills all the promises made to David. 323 00:26:49,880 --> 00:26:53,640 Ephesians one calls all believers to live with courage 324 00:26:53,840 --> 00:26:59,640 in the world because even now Christ is actively ruling. 325 00:27:00,960 --> 00:27:07,240 This decree that Psalm 2 publishes proclaims is 326 00:27:07,240 --> 00:27:12,640 essentially that our well-being is found in submission to the 327 00:27:12,640 --> 00:27:19,680 Son, not in the pursuit of autonomy, self rule, private 328 00:27:19,680 --> 00:27:27,560 governance. Scene 4, advice to the Gentile 329 00:27:27,560 --> 00:27:31,840 kings. We're circling back in verses 10 330 00:27:31,840 --> 00:27:37,080 and 12 in a way that's subtle but also snaps us back to 331 00:27:37,080 --> 00:27:41,280 attention. We notice a final set change. 332 00:27:42,280 --> 00:27:44,240 We're no longer in the heavenly throne room. 333 00:27:45,160 --> 00:27:48,840 We no longer hear the laughter of God or the voice of the king 334 00:27:49,080 --> 00:27:52,880 that God has installed. More than that, we notice that 335 00:27:52,920 --> 00:27:55,200 all of the lights have been dulled. 336 00:27:56,400 --> 00:28:01,000 All of the sound and special effects have fallen away. 337 00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:06,080 We're once again on earth. We know that the rebellious 338 00:28:06,080 --> 00:28:09,280 nations are being addressed, but something's different. 339 00:28:09,440 --> 00:28:15,680 In this final scene, a simple spotlight appears and follows A 340 00:28:15,680 --> 00:28:22,360 solitary figure to center stage, who calmly, with earnestness, 341 00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:30,520 offers this advice. Now, therefore, O kings, be 342 00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:34,920 wise, be warned. O rulers of the earth, serve the 343 00:28:34,920 --> 00:28:40,920 Lord with fear, rejoice with trembling, kiss the sun, lest 344 00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:44,280 you be angry, and you perish in the way. 345 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:49,840 Blessed are all those who take refuge in him. 346 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,200 That solitary figure is the psalmist. 347 00:28:54,160 --> 00:28:58,640 He's calling us to allegiance, and that call seems to hang 348 00:28:58,640 --> 00:29:03,040 suspended in the air. Yes, it's aimed at rebellious 349 00:29:03,040 --> 00:29:06,600 kings and rulers and people who think they're important and 350 00:29:06,680 --> 00:29:12,960 above and beyond God's reach. And yet his voice, his closing 351 00:29:12,960 --> 00:29:18,760 words in this final act seem powerfully pertinent to each of 352 00:29:18,800 --> 00:29:25,640 us in the audience as well. Each of us are being called to 353 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:30,800 lay down our misguided quest to be free from all constraints. 354 00:29:30,840 --> 00:29:36,120 All of us are being summoned to put our faith and our trust to 355 00:29:36,120 --> 00:29:41,280 find our rest under God's appointed King. 356 00:29:43,520 --> 00:29:48,040 The psalmist is addressing you and me down through the ages. 357 00:29:48,120 --> 00:29:52,080 He knows the battle that rages in our own hearts. 358 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:57,560 Will we submit? Can I be free? 359 00:29:58,360 --> 00:30:04,880 Can I be free in my own terms? This word of warning, this word 360 00:30:04,880 --> 00:30:10,800 of beckoning is an odd but understandable mix of emotions. 361 00:30:10,800 --> 00:30:15,400 It does something within us. We're called to rejoice and 362 00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:18,680 tremble. What an unusual couplet. 363 00:30:19,800 --> 00:30:26,240 Rejoice with trembling. We can rejoice because we're 364 00:30:26,240 --> 00:30:31,840 promised a favourable outcome. We tremble because, if we're 365 00:30:31,840 --> 00:30:36,520 honest, it was just a moment ago that we were tempted to re 366 00:30:36,520 --> 00:30:41,880 enlist in the rebellion. We can rejoice because of the 367 00:30:41,880 --> 00:30:46,920 words of benediction that closed out this staged scene. 368 00:30:48,240 --> 00:30:52,760 We tremble because of the powerful yet effortless ways in 369 00:30:52,760 --> 00:30:56,480 which the king will deal with those who maintain their 370 00:30:56,480 --> 00:31:00,200 rebellion and who would refuse his peace. 371 00:31:02,120 --> 00:31:08,560 Kiss the sun, lest to be angry, and you perish in the way. 372 00:31:09,920 --> 00:31:16,240 His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all those who take 373 00:31:16,240 --> 00:31:20,560 refuge in him. Wow. 374 00:31:22,040 --> 00:31:27,720 Curtains fall, lights are cut. That's it. 375 00:31:28,160 --> 00:31:31,440 The psalmist has turned. He's walked off stage. 376 00:31:31,920 --> 00:31:34,760 We're left in darkness and in quietness for a moment. 377 00:31:35,040 --> 00:31:38,760 We're left in our seats with our own thoughts. 378 00:31:40,360 --> 00:31:45,200 What are you left with? Which side will you take? 379 00:31:46,640 --> 00:31:51,160 How are you sitting with this performance? 380 00:31:52,200 --> 00:31:57,160 Slowly, somewhat obtrusively, the theatre lights are raised, 381 00:31:57,160 --> 00:32:01,360 the whole venue is illuminated, we're all being asked to vacate 382 00:32:01,360 --> 00:32:05,200 the Amphitheatre and we're going to make our way home. 383 00:32:06,480 --> 00:32:09,800 Some of us have just a few more minutes willing to come back for 384 00:32:09,800 --> 00:32:15,400 a cup of tea or coffee, so we might process some too. 385 00:32:16,400 --> 00:32:20,360 What is it we're hearing as we drive back from the Muni? 386 00:32:21,840 --> 00:32:25,240 It's unlikely, I think, that we're going to crown or 387 00:32:25,240 --> 00:32:30,160 celebrate a Davidic king. I recognize that many of us in 388 00:32:30,160 --> 00:32:33,080 this room this morning have already made a decision. 389 00:32:33,440 --> 00:32:35,320 We profess faith in Jesus Christ. 390 00:32:35,320 --> 00:32:40,840 We're Allegiant to him. So what are we to take away from 391 00:32:40,840 --> 00:32:45,040 this performance of Psalm 2? What might we take to heart and 392 00:32:45,240 --> 00:32:49,400 meditate upon as we go our separate ways at the end of our 393 00:32:49,480 --> 00:32:54,320 afternoon or our evening? Let me suggest a few things, 394 00:32:54,320 --> 00:33:00,400 although it could be many. One, if I may, let me suggest 395 00:33:00,400 --> 00:33:04,920 that even in tumultuous times, God has not lost control. 396 00:33:06,320 --> 00:33:08,920 I think you'll agree we live in tumultuous times. 397 00:33:09,440 --> 00:33:12,200 There's a lot going on that makes us scratch our heads. 398 00:33:12,360 --> 00:33:15,320 There's a lot going on that makes us fear for our 399 00:33:15,320 --> 00:33:17,880 well-being. Some of us are concerned about 400 00:33:17,880 --> 00:33:21,760 the unraveling of our government or our society. 401 00:33:21,880 --> 00:33:25,440 Some of us are fearful to leave our homes in case we don't have 402 00:33:25,560 --> 00:33:28,480 the right document. Until we get scooped up to some 403 00:33:28,480 --> 00:33:30,920 foreign place. It's a tumultuous time. 404 00:33:31,040 --> 00:33:33,120 What's going on? What do we do? 405 00:33:33,160 --> 00:33:39,080 What will happen? Brothers and sisters, God is 406 00:33:39,080 --> 00:33:45,000 still in control. Despite the tumultuous nations, 407 00:33:45,280 --> 00:33:49,640 the rise and fall of kings and leaders, or even simply the 408 00:33:49,640 --> 00:33:54,200 recurrent nastiness of humanity as we each clamour for self 409 00:33:54,200 --> 00:33:57,640 rule. God has not abandoned us. 410 00:33:58,840 --> 00:34:04,320 God is not powerless. On the contrary, he's able to 411 00:34:04,320 --> 00:34:08,360 intervene. God is always working out his 412 00:34:08,360 --> 00:34:13,000 plan and purpose. He has not lost control. 413 00:34:14,120 --> 00:34:18,040 Can I invite you without being trivial or shallow? 414 00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:22,120 But can I invite you when you take a peek at the news 415 00:34:22,120 --> 00:34:25,760 headlines? When you hear the worrisome 416 00:34:26,040 --> 00:34:34,120 broadcast, come back to Psalm 2. Find your rest in God who does 417 00:34:34,120 --> 00:34:40,400 not lose or surrender control. Here's another thought. 418 00:34:41,560 --> 00:34:44,040 This comforts me as I think about such things. 419 00:34:44,040 --> 00:34:48,679 I hope for you too. Despite all appearances to the 420 00:34:48,679 --> 00:34:53,760 contrary, it's not simply that God retains control, but 421 00:34:53,760 --> 00:34:58,200 actually God is continuing His purposes and leading us all 422 00:34:58,200 --> 00:35:03,560 towards a world under His compassionate control. 423 00:35:04,640 --> 00:35:11,200 Revelation 2 and 12 and 19 all reference Psalm 2 and envision 424 00:35:11,200 --> 00:35:15,880 an eternal and global Kingdom ruled by a descendant of David, 425 00:35:16,120 --> 00:35:21,360 a divine son. This Kingdom is not heavily 426 00:35:21,360 --> 00:35:24,840 managed. This Kingdom is no longer at 427 00:35:24,840 --> 00:35:29,280 war, pushing back against foreign forces and strange 428 00:35:29,480 --> 00:35:33,720 ideas. Rather, this is a Kingdom of 429 00:35:33,720 --> 00:35:39,920 peace, A Kingdom marked by an absence of hostility, division, 430 00:35:40,240 --> 00:35:45,520 unrest. This Kingdom previewed by the 431 00:35:45,520 --> 00:35:50,760 Church, albeit very imperfectly, will be a Kingdom drawn from 432 00:35:50,760 --> 00:35:55,360 every tribe and tongue and nation, and we will share 433 00:35:55,360 --> 00:36:01,000 together in a common, joyful submission to Jesus Christ. 434 00:36:01,840 --> 00:36:06,480 Our common tongue will be Hallelujah for the Lord. 435 00:36:06,520 --> 00:36:11,560 Our God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exalt and 436 00:36:11,560 --> 00:36:15,960 give him glory. This is where we're headed. 437 00:36:17,040 --> 00:36:23,720 Not some sovereign who exercises bare power, but a sovereign who 438 00:36:23,720 --> 00:36:30,880 is good and compassionate and will bring a settled peace that 439 00:36:30,880 --> 00:36:38,440 will enable us again to flourish, to enjoy life that he 440 00:36:38,440 --> 00:36:43,280 intends. And if I may, one more thing. 441 00:36:44,760 --> 00:36:48,680 May I suggest, given the language at the tail end of the 442 00:36:48,680 --> 00:36:53,440 Psalm, given the imagery of kind of wrath and of pottery being 443 00:36:53,440 --> 00:37:01,200 shattered, can I just remind us that this compassionate control 444 00:37:01,200 --> 00:37:07,000 of God is seen in two ways? 1st, I hope you notice we're 445 00:37:07,000 --> 00:37:09,840 given a choice, human agencies real. 446 00:37:10,640 --> 00:37:16,280 We receive an invitation, not just an ultimatum, even as the 447 00:37:16,280 --> 00:37:20,720 psalmist addresses those who are rebellious and who are raging 448 00:37:20,720 --> 00:37:25,320 against God. Nonetheless, grace breaks in 449 00:37:26,720 --> 00:37:30,880 rage can be replaced with refuge. 450 00:37:31,960 --> 00:37:38,000 A favourable response is held out to all who will make peace 451 00:37:38,400 --> 00:37:42,120 with the sun. It's not too late to change 452 00:37:42,120 --> 00:37:45,400 sides. It's not too late to lay down 453 00:37:45,440 --> 00:37:51,320 arms and independence. While we were yet sinners, 454 00:37:51,800 --> 00:37:58,200 Christ died for us. Come across, He'll receive you, 455 00:37:59,000 --> 00:38:02,400 He'll welcome you. You don't have to faith. 456 00:38:02,640 --> 00:38:06,840 Continue in rage and face the iron rod. 457 00:38:07,440 --> 00:38:11,080 There is a refuge, a welcome and acceptance. 458 00:38:11,960 --> 00:38:18,000 How is that possible? Second, this king, this one who 459 00:38:18,440 --> 00:38:24,400 wields the iron rod, this one who whom is invested all power 460 00:38:24,600 --> 00:38:29,240 and authority. This king and son is also a 461 00:38:29,240 --> 00:38:34,000 saviour. The son who seeks our service 462 00:38:34,240 --> 00:38:38,320 and submission is one who served us. 463 00:38:39,520 --> 00:38:43,200 He became one of us. He submitted himself to the 464 00:38:43,200 --> 00:38:46,280 death that we really should undergo. 465 00:38:46,960 --> 00:38:51,200 He bore the penalty of our rebellion on the cross. 466 00:38:51,360 --> 00:38:54,680 He died for our rebellious nature. 467 00:38:55,640 --> 00:39:00,160 It's this son that we're invited to kiss. 468 00:39:00,920 --> 00:39:06,120 It's this son who promises acceptance, forgiveness, 469 00:39:06,320 --> 00:39:10,960 blessing for all who take refuge in him. 470 00:39:11,880 --> 00:39:15,880 Oh, why would we not? Why would we not? 471 00:39:18,520 --> 00:39:28,960 This king laid aside his crown, took on human flesh, entered 472 00:39:28,960 --> 00:39:35,040 into the tumult, the warfare, the rage, and the rebellion, and 473 00:39:35,040 --> 00:39:43,040 lived a perfect life that he now offers to trade with us so that 474 00:39:43,040 --> 00:39:49,840 we too might be the sons and daughters of God forever. 475 00:39:51,200 --> 00:39:56,200 Beloved, we serve a Lord who delights to be found, who is 476 00:39:56,240 --> 00:40:01,120 eager to be called upon, who welcomes our return to Him, and 477 00:40:01,120 --> 00:40:06,520 who promises compassion and abundant pardon. 478 00:40:07,560 --> 00:40:12,600 No wonder, throughout every age the people of God have sung 479 00:40:12,760 --> 00:40:17,720 Psalm 2. Psalm 2 helps us to remember the 480 00:40:17,720 --> 00:40:21,200 true story of the world of which we are a part. 481 00:40:21,400 --> 00:40:25,320 Psalm 2 helps us to remember to rest. 482 00:40:26,040 --> 00:40:30,760 In God's good purpose that stands firm. 483 00:40:32,000 --> 00:40:35,880 Let's pray and give thanks for this message and for this 484 00:40:37,120 --> 00:40:40,800 godfather in heaven. We come again as your people, 485 00:40:40,800 --> 00:40:44,600 confessing, acknowledging our own temptations to rage and 486 00:40:44,600 --> 00:40:48,800 rebel, but Lord, confessing and giving thanks that you've 487 00:40:48,800 --> 00:40:53,080 subdued our hearts and you have brought us near and You have 488 00:40:53,080 --> 00:40:58,880 made our sons and daughters in and through the finished work of 489 00:40:58,920 --> 00:41:02,240 Jesus Christ. Oh Lord, we live in a strange 490 00:41:02,240 --> 00:41:05,000 time. There's so much to occupy our 491 00:41:05,000 --> 00:41:07,320 thought, to cause our hearts to worry. 492 00:41:07,440 --> 00:41:13,000 We pray, O God, that You by your Spirit would take this word and 493 00:41:13,000 --> 00:41:18,640 help us to rest and help us to remember who you are and all 494 00:41:18,640 --> 00:41:22,520 that you've done. We give you thanks in Jesus 495 00:41:22,520 --> 00:41:24,200 name, Amen.