1 00:00:00,399 --> 00:00:01,219 Well, this 2 00:00:01,919 --> 00:00:04,559 morning we are continuing with our series in 3 00:00:04,559 --> 00:00:06,980 the Psalms, and we're looking at Psalm 2. 4 00:00:07,839 --> 00:00:08,339 Please 5 00:00:09,279 --> 00:00:12,419 listen to the reading of God's Word. Psalm 6 00:00:12,480 --> 00:00:12,980 2. 7 00:00:14,255 --> 00:00:15,794 Why do the nations rage 8 00:00:16,655 --> 00:00:18,675 and the peoples plot in vain? 9 00:00:19,695 --> 00:00:21,554 The kings of the earth set themselves, 10 00:00:22,255 --> 00:00:24,975 and the rulers take counsel together against the 11 00:00:24,975 --> 00:00:27,394 Lord and against His anointed, saying, 12 00:00:28,010 --> 00:00:30,030 let us burst their bonds apart 13 00:00:30,410 --> 00:00:32,510 and cast away their cords from us. 14 00:00:33,289 --> 00:00:35,229 He who sits in the heavens laughs. 15 00:00:35,850 --> 00:00:37,869 The Lord holds them in derision. 16 00:00:39,049 --> 00:00:40,969 Then he will speak to them in his 17 00:00:40,969 --> 00:00:41,469 wrath 18 00:00:42,244 --> 00:00:44,825 and terrify them in his fury saying, 19 00:00:45,364 --> 00:00:48,085 as for me, I have set my king 20 00:00:48,085 --> 00:00:48,905 on Zion, 21 00:00:49,364 --> 00:00:50,585 my holy hill. 22 00:00:51,125 --> 00:00:53,524 I will tell of the decree, the Lord 23 00:00:53,524 --> 00:00:55,225 said to me, you are my son. 24 00:00:55,604 --> 00:00:57,384 Today I have begotten you. 25 00:00:57,690 --> 00:00:59,210 Ask of me and I will make the 26 00:00:59,210 --> 00:01:00,350 nations your heritage 27 00:01:00,810 --> 00:01:02,510 and the ends of the earth your possession. 28 00:01:03,289 --> 00:01:05,290 You shall break them with a rod of 29 00:01:05,290 --> 00:01:07,549 iron and dash them in pieces 30 00:01:08,010 --> 00:01:09,310 like a potter's vessel. 31 00:01:10,604 --> 00:01:12,545 Now therefore, oh kings, be wise. 32 00:01:13,084 --> 00:01:15,104 Be warned, oh rulers of the earth. 33 00:01:15,724 --> 00:01:18,284 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with 34 00:01:18,284 --> 00:01:18,784 trembling. 35 00:01:19,484 --> 00:01:20,465 Kiss the sun, 36 00:01:20,844 --> 00:01:23,164 lest he be angry and you perish in 37 00:01:23,164 --> 00:01:23,825 the way, 38 00:01:24,319 --> 00:01:26,099 for his wrath is quickly kindled. 39 00:01:26,799 --> 00:01:29,939 Blessed are all who take refuge in him. 40 00:01:30,239 --> 00:01:31,619 This is the word of the Lord. 41 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:34,259 Thanks be to God. Please be seated. 42 00:01:42,474 --> 00:01:45,135 Well, today we're looking at Psalm 2, 43 00:01:45,754 --> 00:01:46,254 which 44 00:01:46,635 --> 00:01:49,775 together with Psalm 1 serves as an introduction 45 00:01:49,995 --> 00:01:52,015 to the rest of the Psalter. 46 00:01:52,730 --> 00:01:55,130 As Julio taught last week, Psalm 1 presents 47 00:01:55,130 --> 00:01:57,069 2 paths before the reader. 48 00:01:57,770 --> 00:01:59,630 The path of the rebellious man, 49 00:02:00,090 --> 00:02:02,349 which results in judgment and destruction, 50 00:02:03,450 --> 00:02:05,390 and the path of the righteous man, 51 00:02:06,055 --> 00:02:07,515 which results in vindication 52 00:02:08,294 --> 00:02:09,834 and eternal life. 53 00:02:13,814 --> 00:02:15,834 And those same two paths 54 00:02:16,215 --> 00:02:18,055 lie before us each, 55 00:02:18,375 --> 00:02:20,860 each and every day. They lie before each 56 00:02:20,860 --> 00:02:21,919 and every one of us 57 00:02:22,460 --> 00:02:23,840 each and every day. 58 00:02:24,539 --> 00:02:26,620 Do we like the rebellious man of Psalm 59 00:02:26,620 --> 00:02:27,120 1, 60 00:02:27,740 --> 00:02:30,719 listen to the arrogant advice of cynical 61 00:02:31,020 --> 00:02:31,520 society 62 00:02:32,724 --> 00:02:33,544 and imitate 63 00:02:34,164 --> 00:02:36,104 the abhorrent actions of sinners 64 00:02:36,965 --> 00:02:38,504 and appropriate and affirm 65 00:02:39,044 --> 00:02:40,584 the blasphemy of scoffers? 66 00:02:41,525 --> 00:02:42,025 Or 67 00:02:42,644 --> 00:02:44,344 do we, like the righteous man, 68 00:02:44,879 --> 00:02:45,939 meditate upon 69 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:47,300 and 70 00:02:48,159 --> 00:02:49,300 model our lives 71 00:02:49,759 --> 00:02:50,900 after the teachings 72 00:02:52,240 --> 00:02:52,979 of God's 73 00:02:54,639 --> 00:02:55,860 law? In other words, 74 00:02:56,639 --> 00:02:58,659 there are two paths before you today. 75 00:03:00,284 --> 00:03:02,685 God's promise is that the path of the 76 00:03:02,685 --> 00:03:03,185 wicked 77 00:03:03,724 --> 00:03:04,784 results in judgment, 78 00:03:05,484 --> 00:03:07,104 while the path of the righteous 79 00:03:07,724 --> 00:03:08,224 results 80 00:03:08,844 --> 00:03:09,584 in joy. 81 00:03:10,444 --> 00:03:11,504 Psalm 1 describes 82 00:03:12,364 --> 00:03:13,264 man's paths. 83 00:03:14,229 --> 00:03:14,729 Rebellion 84 00:03:15,830 --> 00:03:16,569 or righteousness? 85 00:03:17,750 --> 00:03:19,689 Psalm 2 declares God's promises. 86 00:03:20,629 --> 00:03:22,729 Wrath and ruin for the renegade 87 00:03:23,430 --> 00:03:25,370 or refuge and redemption 88 00:03:26,325 --> 00:03:27,305 for the repentant. 89 00:03:28,645 --> 00:03:30,344 These paths and these promises 90 00:03:30,965 --> 00:03:34,105 lie behind every Psalm and they lie before 91 00:03:34,245 --> 00:03:35,625 every one of us today. 92 00:03:36,805 --> 00:03:38,245 And the main question I want you to 93 00:03:38,245 --> 00:03:39,385 consider this morning 94 00:03:39,889 --> 00:03:41,830 as we look at Psalm 2 is this, 95 00:03:42,530 --> 00:03:44,150 are you living in rebellion 96 00:03:44,930 --> 00:03:45,909 against Christ 97 00:03:47,169 --> 00:03:49,030 or are you resting in him? 98 00:03:50,370 --> 00:03:51,270 Are you living 99 00:03:51,810 --> 00:03:53,430 in rebellion against Christ 100 00:03:54,175 --> 00:03:55,955 or are you resting in Him? 101 00:03:57,854 --> 00:03:59,694 So I want you to ponder this question 102 00:03:59,694 --> 00:04:01,395 as we unpack this psalm 103 00:04:01,854 --> 00:04:02,995 under 4 headings. 104 00:04:03,694 --> 00:04:06,275 Number 1, the society's rebellion. 105 00:04:08,069 --> 00:04:08,810 Number 2, 106 00:04:09,270 --> 00:04:10,650 the sovereign's rebuke. 107 00:04:11,909 --> 00:04:14,010 Number 3, the son's rule. 108 00:04:15,030 --> 00:04:17,529 And number 4, the spirit's rescue. 109 00:04:18,389 --> 00:04:20,069 So let's look at the first heading, the 110 00:04:20,069 --> 00:04:21,290 society's rebellion. 111 00:04:21,854 --> 00:04:23,854 Look at verses 1 to 3 with me 112 00:04:23,854 --> 00:04:24,354 again. 113 00:04:26,175 --> 00:04:28,175 Why do the nations rage and the peoples 114 00:04:28,175 --> 00:04:29,074 plot in vain? 115 00:04:29,774 --> 00:04:31,935 The kings of the earth set themselves, and 116 00:04:31,935 --> 00:04:34,654 the rulers take counsel together against the Lord 117 00:04:34,654 --> 00:04:36,514 and against His anointed, saying, 118 00:04:37,069 --> 00:04:39,009 'Let us burst their bonds apart 119 00:04:39,389 --> 00:04:41,649 and cast away their cords from us.' 120 00:04:42,669 --> 00:04:44,689 That is the all inclusive scope 121 00:04:45,069 --> 00:04:47,490 of the rebellion that these verses describe. 122 00:04:48,269 --> 00:04:50,529 We learn that individuals from every race 123 00:04:51,164 --> 00:04:53,724 and entire nations, as well as their kings 124 00:04:53,724 --> 00:04:54,544 and rulers, 125 00:04:55,004 --> 00:04:56,144 are all involved 126 00:04:56,845 --> 00:04:59,904 in this treacherous and ill fated conspiracy. 127 00:05:01,485 --> 00:05:02,704 And against whom 128 00:05:03,245 --> 00:05:04,224 are they conspiring? 129 00:05:05,629 --> 00:05:07,949 Well, the text states that their rage and 130 00:05:07,949 --> 00:05:10,129 schemes are set against the Lord 131 00:05:10,830 --> 00:05:12,529 and against the Lord's anointed. 132 00:05:13,550 --> 00:05:15,330 Now for the moment let us set aside 133 00:05:15,389 --> 00:05:17,949 the identity of the Lord's anointed. We'll get 134 00:05:17,949 --> 00:05:18,770 to that later. 135 00:05:19,305 --> 00:05:21,865 But notice that in verse 2, the word 136 00:05:21,865 --> 00:05:24,285 Lord appears in all capital letters. 137 00:05:25,144 --> 00:05:27,305 You might recall that whenever Lord is in 138 00:05:27,305 --> 00:05:28,925 all capital letters, it indicates 139 00:05:29,625 --> 00:05:32,264 that it is translating the personal name of 140 00:05:32,264 --> 00:05:33,485 God in Hebrew, 141 00:05:33,860 --> 00:05:35,079 which is often pronounced 142 00:05:35,459 --> 00:05:35,959 Yahweh 143 00:05:36,500 --> 00:05:38,199 or even Jehovah. 144 00:05:39,300 --> 00:05:40,120 In other words, 145 00:05:40,660 --> 00:05:42,120 the rebellion described 146 00:05:42,660 --> 00:05:45,000 in the opening verses of Psalm 2 147 00:05:45,540 --> 00:05:47,620 is set against the Lord, that is to 148 00:05:47,620 --> 00:05:49,865 say against God Himself. 149 00:05:51,524 --> 00:05:53,545 Let me say that it shouldn't surprise us 150 00:05:54,004 --> 00:05:56,964 to learn that people from every nation and 151 00:05:56,964 --> 00:05:57,464 race, 152 00:05:58,245 --> 00:06:00,345 and that people from every walk of life, 153 00:06:00,644 --> 00:06:02,584 even those who wield great authority, 154 00:06:03,370 --> 00:06:05,550 are in open rebellion against God. 155 00:06:06,490 --> 00:06:07,550 Yet for many, 156 00:06:08,250 --> 00:06:09,149 in our humanistic 157 00:06:09,610 --> 00:06:10,669 Western culture, 158 00:06:11,129 --> 00:06:12,910 this is a hard pill to swallow. 159 00:06:13,689 --> 00:06:15,310 We refuse to believe it. 160 00:06:15,824 --> 00:06:18,404 We refuse to have such a pessimistic view 161 00:06:18,544 --> 00:06:20,084 on human nature, don't 162 00:06:21,185 --> 00:06:23,904 we? In a recent interview with 60 minutes, 163 00:06:23,904 --> 00:06:26,404 reporter Nora O'Donnell asked Pope Francis, 164 00:06:27,104 --> 00:06:28,485 When you look at the world, 165 00:06:29,185 --> 00:06:30,324 what gives you hope? 166 00:06:31,629 --> 00:06:33,170 And Pope Francis answered, 167 00:06:34,269 --> 00:06:35,569 People are fundamentally 168 00:06:36,029 --> 00:06:36,529 good. 169 00:06:37,629 --> 00:06:39,490 We are fundamentally good. 170 00:06:40,430 --> 00:06:42,610 Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, 171 00:06:43,389 --> 00:06:44,449 but the heart 172 00:06:44,990 --> 00:06:45,810 is good. 173 00:06:47,595 --> 00:06:48,975 In Genesis 6:5, 174 00:06:49,835 --> 00:06:50,814 Moses writes, 175 00:06:52,154 --> 00:06:54,074 The Lord saw that the wicked that the 176 00:06:54,074 --> 00:06:56,415 wickedness of man was great in the earth, 177 00:06:56,634 --> 00:06:58,574 and that the every intention 178 00:06:59,595 --> 00:07:01,375 of the thoughts of his heart 179 00:07:02,449 --> 00:07:03,990 was only evil continually. 180 00:07:06,770 --> 00:07:08,770 Now you might complain that such assessment came 181 00:07:08,770 --> 00:07:09,830 before the flood. 182 00:07:10,610 --> 00:07:12,149 Well, in Jeremiah 17:9 183 00:07:12,449 --> 00:07:15,350 the prophet offers this post diluvian diagnosis. 184 00:07:17,194 --> 00:07:19,615 The heart is deceitful above all things 185 00:07:20,314 --> 00:07:21,694 and desperately sick. 186 00:07:22,235 --> 00:07:23,694 Who can understand it? 187 00:07:24,875 --> 00:07:26,555 Ah, but that is before the incarnation of 188 00:07:26,555 --> 00:07:27,615 Jesus you say. 189 00:07:28,410 --> 00:07:31,550 Well, in Matthew 15 verses 18 and 19, 190 00:07:31,850 --> 00:07:33,149 the incarnate Jesus 191 00:07:33,610 --> 00:07:34,110 says, 192 00:07:35,370 --> 00:07:37,290 but what comes out of the mouth proceeds 193 00:07:37,290 --> 00:07:38,189 from the heart, 194 00:07:38,569 --> 00:07:39,310 and this 195 00:07:39,610 --> 00:07:40,830 defiles a person. 196 00:07:41,544 --> 00:07:42,845 For out of the heart 197 00:07:43,384 --> 00:07:44,524 come evil thoughts, 198 00:07:45,305 --> 00:07:45,805 murder, 199 00:07:46,664 --> 00:07:47,164 adultery, 200 00:07:47,944 --> 00:07:48,925 sexual immorality, 201 00:07:49,704 --> 00:07:50,204 theft, 202 00:07:50,745 --> 00:07:51,644 false witness, 203 00:07:52,664 --> 00:07:53,164 slander. 204 00:07:55,310 --> 00:07:57,949 Surely the resurrection and ascension of Jesus remove 205 00:07:57,949 --> 00:07:58,689 the impurity 206 00:07:59,149 --> 00:08:01,089 from every human heart, you say. 207 00:08:02,029 --> 00:08:05,550 Well, in Romans 3:23, the Apostle Paul, who 208 00:08:05,550 --> 00:08:06,930 was converted after 209 00:08:07,310 --> 00:08:09,649 the resurrection and ascension of Christ 210 00:08:10,125 --> 00:08:10,625 writes, 211 00:08:11,645 --> 00:08:13,025 For all have sinned 212 00:08:13,485 --> 00:08:14,545 and fall short 213 00:08:14,925 --> 00:08:17,645 of the glory of God. No, we are 214 00:08:17,645 --> 00:08:19,264 not fundamentally good. 215 00:08:20,045 --> 00:08:21,264 No, the human heart 216 00:08:21,884 --> 00:08:22,944 is not good. 217 00:08:23,404 --> 00:08:24,305 It is wicked, 218 00:08:25,449 --> 00:08:25,949 deceitful, 219 00:08:27,050 --> 00:08:28,110 desperately sick, 220 00:08:29,050 --> 00:08:29,550 treacherous, 221 00:08:30,490 --> 00:08:31,229 and murderous. 222 00:08:32,409 --> 00:08:34,190 And the reason for this malady 223 00:08:35,129 --> 00:08:37,789 is the fall, that wretched occasion 224 00:08:38,654 --> 00:08:41,394 when Adam first sinned against God. 225 00:08:42,894 --> 00:08:44,995 Therefore, since he is our first father, 226 00:08:45,534 --> 00:08:48,495 every human being after him bears his guilt 227 00:08:48,495 --> 00:08:49,235 and corruption 228 00:08:49,934 --> 00:08:52,274 from the moment that we are conceived. 229 00:08:53,579 --> 00:08:54,240 We inherit 230 00:08:54,779 --> 00:08:56,079 his spiritual genetics 231 00:08:56,779 --> 00:08:59,759 and bear the sinful family resemblance. 232 00:09:00,940 --> 00:09:03,339 David himself tells us as much in Psalm 233 00:09:03,339 --> 00:09:05,279 51 verse 5 where he writes, 234 00:09:06,139 --> 00:09:06,639 Behold, 235 00:09:07,394 --> 00:09:09,335 I was brought forth in iniquity, 236 00:09:09,795 --> 00:09:12,455 and in sin did my mother conceive me. 237 00:09:13,554 --> 00:09:14,934 In Ezekiel 36, 238 00:09:15,715 --> 00:09:17,795 the prophet writes that since we carry this 239 00:09:17,795 --> 00:09:18,295 curse, 240 00:09:18,915 --> 00:09:21,014 we all have hearts of stone 241 00:09:21,475 --> 00:09:22,455 and are incapable 242 00:09:23,370 --> 00:09:24,909 of obeying God's law. 243 00:09:25,929 --> 00:09:27,309 In Ephesians 2, 244 00:09:27,690 --> 00:09:30,909 Paul describes his wretched condition as spiritual 245 00:09:31,210 --> 00:09:31,710 death, 246 00:09:32,730 --> 00:09:35,549 writing that this sinful nature makes all mankind 247 00:09:36,330 --> 00:09:37,629 children of wrath. 248 00:09:38,945 --> 00:09:41,365 So again, we should not be surprised 249 00:09:41,904 --> 00:09:45,125 by how widespread the rebellion against God is. 250 00:09:46,144 --> 00:09:49,024 In Matthew 7 verses 13 and 14, Jesus 251 00:09:49,024 --> 00:09:49,524 says 252 00:09:49,985 --> 00:09:51,605 that the way is easy 253 00:09:51,985 --> 00:09:53,205 that leads to destruction 254 00:09:53,840 --> 00:09:56,259 and those who enter by it are many. 255 00:09:56,960 --> 00:09:58,960 For the gate is narrow and the way 256 00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:02,240 is hard that leads to life, and those 257 00:10:02,240 --> 00:10:03,220 who find it 258 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:04,340 are few. 259 00:10:05,600 --> 00:10:08,240 Jesus is here referring to the same two 260 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:09,964 paths in Psalm 1, 261 00:10:11,384 --> 00:10:13,004 the wide and well traveled 262 00:10:13,384 --> 00:10:14,764 path that leads to destruction 263 00:10:15,784 --> 00:10:18,524 and the narrow and scarcely trodden path 264 00:10:19,065 --> 00:10:20,445 that leads to eternal 265 00:10:20,825 --> 00:10:21,325 life. 266 00:10:22,789 --> 00:10:24,649 Psalm 2's ruinous rebellion 267 00:10:25,429 --> 00:10:26,809 rises and runs 268 00:10:27,509 --> 00:10:29,129 along this wretched road. 269 00:10:29,909 --> 00:10:31,769 Are you racing toward ruin 270 00:10:32,230 --> 00:10:33,289 on this route? 271 00:10:34,629 --> 00:10:35,129 Remember, 272 00:10:35,830 --> 00:10:37,049 most people are. 273 00:10:38,764 --> 00:10:39,825 Most people are. 274 00:10:40,285 --> 00:10:42,305 Most people are regardless of race, 275 00:10:43,004 --> 00:10:43,825 of nationality, 276 00:10:44,764 --> 00:10:45,585 of education, 277 00:10:46,524 --> 00:10:47,745 of social status. 278 00:10:49,085 --> 00:10:50,605 You might ask yourself, well, how can I 279 00:10:50,605 --> 00:10:51,105 know? 280 00:10:52,409 --> 00:10:54,590 Well, verse 2 tells you how. 281 00:10:55,049 --> 00:10:57,309 You see the rebellion is against the Lord 282 00:10:58,889 --> 00:11:00,350 and against His anointed. 283 00:11:02,169 --> 00:11:04,909 Rebellion against the Lord's anointed is the sure 284 00:11:05,289 --> 00:11:05,789 marker 285 00:11:06,169 --> 00:11:07,070 of the wicked. 286 00:11:08,975 --> 00:11:10,674 So, this is where we get to ask, 287 00:11:10,894 --> 00:11:12,835 who is the Lord's anointed? 288 00:11:14,174 --> 00:11:15,235 In ancient Israel 289 00:11:15,695 --> 00:11:17,394 it was customary for prophets, 290 00:11:17,934 --> 00:11:21,375 priests, and kings to be consecrated for office 291 00:11:21,375 --> 00:11:22,434 by being anointed 292 00:11:22,980 --> 00:11:23,720 with oil. 293 00:11:24,740 --> 00:11:27,539 This represented the conferring of the gifts of 294 00:11:27,539 --> 00:11:29,480 the Holy Spirit upon them. 295 00:11:30,419 --> 00:11:31,639 It is fitting therefore 296 00:11:32,100 --> 00:11:34,679 that the Lord's anointed in Psalm 2 297 00:11:35,345 --> 00:11:36,884 refers to none other 298 00:11:37,264 --> 00:11:39,764 than the one who holds these three offices 299 00:11:40,305 --> 00:11:40,805 perpetually. 300 00:11:41,745 --> 00:11:42,965 The one who is a 301 00:11:43,345 --> 00:11:44,644 prophet greater than Moses, 302 00:11:45,745 --> 00:11:48,144 the one who is our High Priest after 303 00:11:48,144 --> 00:11:49,285 the order of Melchizedek, 304 00:11:50,259 --> 00:11:52,279 and the one who is King of kings, 305 00:11:52,740 --> 00:11:56,419 who holds Judah's scepter and sits on David's 306 00:11:56,419 --> 00:11:56,919 throne. 307 00:11:58,339 --> 00:12:01,379 His identity becomes clear when we consider the 308 00:12:01,379 --> 00:12:01,879 word 309 00:12:02,985 --> 00:12:04,845 for anointed in Hebrew 310 00:12:05,225 --> 00:12:06,445 is Mashiach 311 00:12:07,304 --> 00:12:08,285 which we transliterate 312 00:12:08,664 --> 00:12:09,725 as Messiah, 313 00:12:10,985 --> 00:12:12,365 and in Greek Christos 314 00:12:13,065 --> 00:12:13,965 which we transliterate 315 00:12:14,745 --> 00:12:15,565 as Christ. 316 00:12:16,449 --> 00:12:18,549 In other words, allegiance to Christ, 317 00:12:19,329 --> 00:12:20,149 to the Messiah 318 00:12:20,610 --> 00:12:22,870 is the touchstone of righteous living. 319 00:12:23,970 --> 00:12:26,690 This is why Jesus is the way, the 320 00:12:26,690 --> 00:12:28,309 truth, and the life. 321 00:12:29,225 --> 00:12:31,384 This is why no one goes to the 322 00:12:31,384 --> 00:12:33,325 righteous Father except 323 00:12:33,785 --> 00:12:34,685 through Him. 324 00:12:36,185 --> 00:12:36,685 Conversely, 325 00:12:37,785 --> 00:12:39,165 whoever denies Christ, 326 00:12:39,545 --> 00:12:40,764 denies the Father, 327 00:12:41,299 --> 00:12:43,779 is in rebellion against the Lord and against 328 00:12:43,779 --> 00:12:44,519 his anointed, 329 00:12:44,980 --> 00:12:45,959 and is surely 330 00:12:46,500 --> 00:12:48,439 on the path to perdition. 331 00:12:49,779 --> 00:12:52,759 People might say, Well, I'm a spiritual person. 332 00:12:53,985 --> 00:12:54,485 Or, 333 00:12:54,945 --> 00:12:57,524 I believe that all paths lead to God. 334 00:12:58,625 --> 00:13:01,105 Or, I believe that God is within each 335 00:13:01,105 --> 00:13:02,325 and every one of us. 336 00:13:03,745 --> 00:13:04,245 Or, 337 00:13:04,705 --> 00:13:05,924 I believe in humanity. 338 00:13:07,740 --> 00:13:09,759 Or I believe in science, 339 00:13:10,860 --> 00:13:11,680 or simply 340 00:13:12,379 --> 00:13:14,080 I believe in myself. 341 00:13:15,740 --> 00:13:17,600 But what Psalm 2 makes clear 342 00:13:18,460 --> 00:13:22,320 is that all this theoretical mumbo jumbo is 343 00:13:23,115 --> 00:13:24,654 a complete waste of time, 344 00:13:25,514 --> 00:13:27,455 that the test for fidelity 345 00:13:28,715 --> 00:13:30,174 is much more concrete, 346 00:13:31,115 --> 00:13:33,855 that the question everyone must answer is, 347 00:13:34,315 --> 00:13:35,774 what is your relationship 348 00:13:36,154 --> 00:13:37,535 to the Anointed One? 349 00:13:38,320 --> 00:13:39,779 What is your relationship 350 00:13:40,399 --> 00:13:41,299 to the Messiah? 351 00:13:42,079 --> 00:13:43,299 What is your relationship 352 00:13:44,000 --> 00:13:44,820 to Christ? 353 00:13:46,240 --> 00:13:48,259 Because as long as you deny Christ, 354 00:13:49,039 --> 00:13:51,700 you remain in rebellion against the Lord, 355 00:13:52,394 --> 00:13:54,254 and are dead in your sin, 356 00:13:55,035 --> 00:13:57,774 and are condemned to eternal damnation. 357 00:13:59,835 --> 00:14:00,335 Why? 358 00:14:01,435 --> 00:14:04,075 Because you are subverting the truth which is 359 00:14:04,075 --> 00:14:05,615 revealed in God's word. 360 00:14:06,940 --> 00:14:08,399 You oppose God's word. 361 00:14:09,340 --> 00:14:10,399 You ignore it. 362 00:14:11,179 --> 00:14:13,840 Or maybe you even despise it. 363 00:14:15,019 --> 00:14:17,759 Either way you are running your own race 364 00:14:17,980 --> 00:14:19,360 on your own road, 365 00:14:20,245 --> 00:14:21,625 unaware that like Jonah 366 00:14:22,004 --> 00:14:24,584 you will be swallowed up into the deep. 367 00:14:26,485 --> 00:14:27,865 Is that what you are doing? 368 00:14:29,044 --> 00:14:30,264 What is your relationship 369 00:14:31,125 --> 00:14:31,865 to Christ? 370 00:14:32,610 --> 00:14:33,750 What is your relationship 371 00:14:34,370 --> 00:14:35,830 to the Lord's anointed? 372 00:14:36,210 --> 00:14:37,990 Are you listening to his voice? 373 00:14:38,690 --> 00:14:39,669 Are you obeying 374 00:14:40,370 --> 00:14:41,190 his word? 375 00:14:42,690 --> 00:14:45,509 When God delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt 376 00:14:46,254 --> 00:14:48,894 and guided them into the promised land, He 377 00:14:48,894 --> 00:14:50,995 did so by giving Israel His word 378 00:14:51,534 --> 00:14:53,934 that they might possess the promised land and 379 00:14:53,934 --> 00:14:55,235 live in it in righteousness. 380 00:14:56,654 --> 00:14:59,294 Concerning this deliverance, look at what God says 381 00:14:59,294 --> 00:15:00,995 in Hosea chapter 11 382 00:15:01,529 --> 00:15:02,269 verse 4. 383 00:15:03,929 --> 00:15:06,409 He says, I led my people with cords 384 00:15:06,409 --> 00:15:07,149 of kindness, 385 00:15:07,929 --> 00:15:08,829 with bands 386 00:15:09,209 --> 00:15:09,949 of love. 387 00:15:11,049 --> 00:15:13,289 Again, I led my people with cords of 388 00:15:13,289 --> 00:15:13,789 kindness, 389 00:15:14,730 --> 00:15:16,429 with bands of love. 390 00:15:17,754 --> 00:15:19,914 I think of how excited my dog gets 391 00:15:19,914 --> 00:15:22,235 when I place the collar and leash around 392 00:15:22,235 --> 00:15:24,495 his neck and take him for a walk. 393 00:15:25,274 --> 00:15:27,835 It is that band and that cord that 394 00:15:27,835 --> 00:15:28,975 keeps him safe, 395 00:15:29,754 --> 00:15:31,294 walking on the right path, 396 00:15:31,950 --> 00:15:34,610 preventing him from wandering away and getting lost. 397 00:15:35,950 --> 00:15:38,269 The band and cord keep him tied to 398 00:15:38,269 --> 00:15:38,769 me. 399 00:15:40,110 --> 00:15:42,670 The one who is committed to nurturing him 400 00:15:42,670 --> 00:15:44,050 and caring for him. 401 00:15:44,865 --> 00:15:45,924 How much more 402 00:15:46,544 --> 00:15:49,365 does God care for us through his word, 403 00:15:49,665 --> 00:15:52,225 his court of kindness, and his band of 404 00:15:52,225 --> 00:15:52,725 love? 405 00:15:53,985 --> 00:15:56,304 But now look again at what those in 406 00:15:56,304 --> 00:15:58,565 rebellion against God say in verse 3. 407 00:15:59,129 --> 00:16:01,870 They say, Let us burst their bonds apart 408 00:16:02,410 --> 00:16:04,750 and cast away their cords from us. 409 00:16:06,730 --> 00:16:09,070 Those in rebellion against God 410 00:16:09,450 --> 00:16:11,870 reject the loving word of Christ. 411 00:16:12,824 --> 00:16:14,684 They see it as an oppressive hindrance. 412 00:16:15,704 --> 00:16:17,324 They come to despise it. 413 00:16:18,345 --> 00:16:21,064 In verse 1 where we read that the 414 00:16:21,064 --> 00:16:22,924 peoples plot in vain, 415 00:16:23,544 --> 00:16:26,605 the word plot is the same Hebrew word 416 00:16:27,279 --> 00:16:28,620 that in Psalm 1 417 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:32,500 Psalm 1 verse 2 is translated as meditates, 418 00:16:33,039 --> 00:16:35,220 referring to the blessed man who meditates 419 00:16:35,759 --> 00:16:37,860 on God's law day and night. 420 00:16:38,480 --> 00:16:39,299 Same word. 421 00:16:40,835 --> 00:16:42,134 So whereas the righteous 422 00:16:42,595 --> 00:16:43,095 meditate 423 00:16:43,475 --> 00:16:46,215 on Christ's word day and night, 424 00:16:47,235 --> 00:16:48,455 rebellious people 425 00:16:48,835 --> 00:16:49,815 with the same 426 00:16:50,835 --> 00:16:52,055 religious devotion 427 00:16:53,075 --> 00:16:53,575 scheme 428 00:16:54,115 --> 00:16:55,095 against Christ. 429 00:16:55,980 --> 00:16:56,480 Scheme, 430 00:16:56,940 --> 00:16:57,440 plot 431 00:16:57,820 --> 00:17:01,039 against the Lord's anointed with the same fervor. 432 00:17:03,259 --> 00:17:06,140 In John 5, Jesus gives us great insight 433 00:17:06,140 --> 00:17:08,160 into the relationship between obedience 434 00:17:08,700 --> 00:17:11,200 to Christ's Word and eternal life. 435 00:17:12,275 --> 00:17:13,095 Look at what 436 00:17:13,474 --> 00:17:15,255 he says beginning in verse 24. 437 00:17:17,075 --> 00:17:19,255 Truly, truly, I say to you, 438 00:17:19,794 --> 00:17:21,575 whoever hears my word 439 00:17:22,035 --> 00:17:23,974 and believes him who sent me 440 00:17:24,434 --> 00:17:25,815 has eternal life. 441 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:28,420 He does not come into judgment, 442 00:17:28,880 --> 00:17:30,980 but has passed from death to life. 443 00:17:31,920 --> 00:17:34,400 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour 444 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:36,339 is coming and is now here 445 00:17:36,799 --> 00:17:38,880 when the dead will hear the voice of 446 00:17:38,880 --> 00:17:39,940 the Son of God, 447 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:42,019 and those who hear 448 00:17:42,904 --> 00:17:43,724 will live. 449 00:17:45,065 --> 00:17:46,845 Then in verse 45 he continues, 450 00:17:48,424 --> 00:17:50,184 Do not think that I will accuse you 451 00:17:50,184 --> 00:17:50,924 to the Father. 452 00:17:51,865 --> 00:17:53,964 There is one who accuses you, 453 00:17:54,825 --> 00:17:55,325 Moses, 454 00:17:56,105 --> 00:17:57,804 on whom you have set your hope. 455 00:17:58,410 --> 00:18:00,029 For if you believed Moses, 456 00:18:00,650 --> 00:18:03,450 you would believe me, for he wrote of 457 00:18:03,450 --> 00:18:03,950 me. 458 00:18:04,570 --> 00:18:06,590 But if you do not believe his writings, 459 00:18:07,529 --> 00:18:09,710 how will you believe my words? 460 00:18:11,984 --> 00:18:14,964 Society's rebellion against God therefore is characterized 461 00:18:15,265 --> 00:18:16,484 by opposing 462 00:18:17,025 --> 00:18:19,365 Christ's rule through the rejection 463 00:18:19,984 --> 00:18:21,045 of His word. 464 00:18:22,305 --> 00:18:24,164 Governments who redefine marriage, 465 00:18:25,319 --> 00:18:25,819 rulers 466 00:18:26,359 --> 00:18:28,059 who persecute Christians, 467 00:18:29,400 --> 00:18:31,339 societies that celebrate sin 468 00:18:31,799 --> 00:18:33,179 and ridicule righteousness, 469 00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:34,940 schools 470 00:18:35,559 --> 00:18:37,579 that teach and promote the lies 471 00:18:37,880 --> 00:18:39,019 of gender ideology, 472 00:18:40,595 --> 00:18:41,494 Church leaders 473 00:18:41,955 --> 00:18:43,255 who abuse the sheep 474 00:18:43,634 --> 00:18:45,174 to protect their own interests, 475 00:18:46,115 --> 00:18:46,615 pastors 476 00:18:47,474 --> 00:18:49,015 who perform on Sundays 477 00:18:49,474 --> 00:18:50,934 to build their own kingdom, 478 00:18:51,634 --> 00:18:54,695 and individuals devoted to the pursuit of money 479 00:18:55,330 --> 00:18:55,910 and pleasure 480 00:18:56,529 --> 00:18:57,350 and fame 481 00:18:58,529 --> 00:18:59,670 are all part 482 00:19:00,610 --> 00:19:02,950 of the society of satanic schemers 483 00:19:03,490 --> 00:19:04,710 seeking to subvert 484 00:19:05,410 --> 00:19:06,230 their sovereign. 485 00:19:08,015 --> 00:19:10,755 So having looked at society's rebellion, 486 00:19:11,694 --> 00:19:13,794 let us now consider our second heading, 487 00:19:14,255 --> 00:19:15,714 the sovereign's rebuke. 488 00:19:16,414 --> 00:19:18,994 In verse 1 the psalmist begins by asking, 489 00:19:19,454 --> 00:19:21,154 Why do the nations rage? 490 00:19:22,100 --> 00:19:23,480 The question is rhetorical. 491 00:19:24,340 --> 00:19:26,600 The why is not meant to be answered. 492 00:19:27,220 --> 00:19:29,000 Rather it is meant to underscore 493 00:19:29,539 --> 00:19:30,279 the futility 494 00:19:31,140 --> 00:19:32,119 of the rebellion. 495 00:19:33,059 --> 00:19:33,960 He's asking, 496 00:19:34,420 --> 00:19:35,960 Why do you guys bother? 497 00:19:37,414 --> 00:19:38,474 Do you not know 498 00:19:38,934 --> 00:19:39,914 who you are opposing? 499 00:19:41,815 --> 00:19:43,914 Do you not think your treachery 500 00:19:45,174 --> 00:19:45,674 has 501 00:19:46,214 --> 00:19:47,815 do you do you think that your treachery 502 00:19:47,815 --> 00:19:49,595 has any chance of prevailing? 503 00:19:50,769 --> 00:19:53,029 Do you think that the Lord is worried 504 00:19:53,730 --> 00:19:54,950 about your schemes? 505 00:19:56,289 --> 00:19:58,549 Look at verses 4 to 6 with me. 506 00:19:59,569 --> 00:20:01,349 He who sits in the heavens 507 00:20:01,809 --> 00:20:02,309 laughs 508 00:20:03,695 --> 00:20:05,634 The Lord holds them in derision. 509 00:20:07,214 --> 00:20:09,535 Then he will speak to them in his 510 00:20:09,535 --> 00:20:12,414 wrath and terrify them in his fury saying, 511 00:20:12,414 --> 00:20:13,474 As for me, 512 00:20:13,855 --> 00:20:16,355 I have set my king on Zion, 513 00:20:16,815 --> 00:20:18,434 my holy hill. 514 00:20:20,159 --> 00:20:22,899 One commentator notes that verse 4 515 00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:25,679 is the only place in the Bible where 516 00:20:25,679 --> 00:20:27,299 it says that God laughs. 517 00:20:29,679 --> 00:20:32,579 When clay conspires to reshape the potter, 518 00:20:33,505 --> 00:20:36,565 laughter is the potter's appropriate response. 519 00:20:37,984 --> 00:20:39,684 The king is so unconcerned 520 00:20:40,625 --> 00:20:42,704 that he doesn't even get up from his 521 00:20:42,704 --> 00:20:43,204 throne. 522 00:20:43,825 --> 00:20:46,244 He sits in the heavens and laughs. 523 00:20:47,720 --> 00:20:49,019 Men and women decide 524 00:20:49,640 --> 00:20:51,019 they can live without God, 525 00:20:51,640 --> 00:20:52,460 yet inevitably 526 00:20:53,080 --> 00:20:54,059 they all die 527 00:20:54,759 --> 00:20:55,980 and meet His inescapable 528 00:20:56,279 --> 00:20:56,779 fury. 529 00:20:58,279 --> 00:20:59,500 Societies decide 530 00:20:59,880 --> 00:21:01,259 they don't need God's wisdom, 531 00:21:02,125 --> 00:21:03,424 yet they quickly forget 532 00:21:03,884 --> 00:21:05,105 what a woman is. 533 00:21:06,845 --> 00:21:09,265 Governments decide they don't need God's law, 534 00:21:10,365 --> 00:21:13,325 yet they descend into chaos and become riddled 535 00:21:13,325 --> 00:21:14,144 with crime. 536 00:21:15,549 --> 00:21:16,049 Civilizations 537 00:21:16,350 --> 00:21:16,850 decide 538 00:21:17,230 --> 00:21:19,090 they can eradicate God's people, 539 00:21:19,950 --> 00:21:22,190 yet they spread the gospel and grow the 540 00:21:22,190 --> 00:21:22,690 church 541 00:21:23,150 --> 00:21:24,210 before collapsing. 542 00:21:25,950 --> 00:21:28,430 You'll notice in verse 4 that the word 543 00:21:28,430 --> 00:21:29,570 Lord is not 544 00:21:29,934 --> 00:21:31,474 in upper case this time. 545 00:21:32,095 --> 00:21:33,855 The reason for this is that this time 546 00:21:33,855 --> 00:21:35,714 it is translating the Hebrew word 547 00:21:36,015 --> 00:21:36,515 Adonai 548 00:21:36,974 --> 00:21:39,555 which indeed means Lord or Master 549 00:21:40,015 --> 00:21:40,835 or Sovereign. 550 00:21:42,250 --> 00:21:45,130 The psalmist is reminding the rebels that God 551 00:21:45,130 --> 00:21:46,909 is their sovereign ruler, 552 00:21:47,609 --> 00:21:49,789 that their rebellion has zero 553 00:21:50,250 --> 00:21:51,390 chance of success. 554 00:21:52,970 --> 00:21:55,130 Look at how the prophet Isaiah describes God's 555 00:21:55,130 --> 00:21:55,630 greatness 556 00:21:58,455 --> 00:21:59,914 in Isaiah chapter 40 557 00:22:00,535 --> 00:22:01,914 beginning in verse 15. 558 00:22:03,654 --> 00:22:04,154 Behold, 559 00:22:04,455 --> 00:22:06,775 the nations are like a drop from a 560 00:22:06,775 --> 00:22:07,275 bucket 561 00:22:08,134 --> 00:22:08,634 and 562 00:22:09,015 --> 00:22:09,755 are accounted 563 00:22:10,420 --> 00:22:12,200 as the dust on the scales. 564 00:22:13,460 --> 00:22:14,440 All the nations 565 00:22:14,900 --> 00:22:16,599 are as nothing before Him. 566 00:22:17,220 --> 00:22:19,700 They are accounted by Him as less than 567 00:22:19,700 --> 00:22:20,920 nothing and emptiness. 568 00:22:22,494 --> 00:22:23,554 To whom then 569 00:22:23,934 --> 00:22:25,234 will you liken God? 570 00:22:25,934 --> 00:22:26,674 Or what 571 00:22:26,974 --> 00:22:27,474 likeness 572 00:22:28,335 --> 00:22:29,554 will you compare with 573 00:22:30,894 --> 00:22:32,355 him? Do you not know? 574 00:22:33,615 --> 00:22:34,835 Do you not hear? 575 00:22:36,059 --> 00:22:38,380 Has it not been told you from the 576 00:22:38,380 --> 00:22:38,880 beginning? 577 00:22:39,740 --> 00:22:42,059 Have you not understood from the foundation of 578 00:22:42,059 --> 00:22:42,799 the earth? 579 00:22:43,339 --> 00:22:45,259 It is he who sits above the circle 580 00:22:45,259 --> 00:22:46,079 of the earth 581 00:22:46,940 --> 00:22:49,359 and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. 582 00:22:50,954 --> 00:22:53,775 Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain 583 00:22:54,315 --> 00:22:56,875 and spreads them like a tent to dwell 584 00:22:56,875 --> 00:22:57,375 in? 585 00:22:57,755 --> 00:22:59,615 Who brings princes to nothing 586 00:23:00,075 --> 00:23:02,554 and makes the rulers of the earth as 587 00:23:02,554 --> 00:23:03,054 emptiness? 588 00:23:04,794 --> 00:23:05,615 Dear Christian, 589 00:23:06,950 --> 00:23:07,930 are you worried 590 00:23:08,470 --> 00:23:11,529 because the world is in rebellion against God? 591 00:23:12,309 --> 00:23:14,730 Because people arrogantly mock 592 00:23:15,190 --> 00:23:15,690 believers? 593 00:23:17,190 --> 00:23:18,089 Because scholars 594 00:23:18,630 --> 00:23:19,769 ridicule the Bible? 595 00:23:20,954 --> 00:23:21,855 Because governments 596 00:23:22,714 --> 00:23:25,615 persecute the church. Are you concerned about that? 597 00:23:26,634 --> 00:23:28,174 Psalm 2 reminds you, 598 00:23:28,794 --> 00:23:29,934 do not worry. 599 00:23:31,674 --> 00:23:32,815 God is not worried. 600 00:23:34,349 --> 00:23:35,089 He laughs. 601 00:23:36,430 --> 00:23:38,589 In fact, it is the rebels who need 602 00:23:38,589 --> 00:23:39,250 to worry 603 00:23:40,430 --> 00:23:41,490 for God's laughter 604 00:23:42,029 --> 00:23:43,410 is not one of joy, 605 00:23:44,670 --> 00:23:46,670 it's not a pleasant laugh, it's not a 606 00:23:46,670 --> 00:23:47,569 laugh of satisfaction. 607 00:23:49,494 --> 00:23:51,515 Rather his laughter is a rebuke. 608 00:23:52,294 --> 00:23:53,434 God scoffs 609 00:23:54,375 --> 00:23:55,275 at their foolishness. 610 00:23:56,454 --> 00:24:00,554 God mocks their audacity and derides their insolence. 611 00:24:02,429 --> 00:24:05,149 Then in verse 5, He manifests his wrath 612 00:24:05,149 --> 00:24:06,609 and fury against them. 613 00:24:07,069 --> 00:24:08,750 The image in the Hebrew is that of 614 00:24:08,750 --> 00:24:10,049 a person who is breathing 615 00:24:10,429 --> 00:24:10,929 heavily, 616 00:24:11,389 --> 00:24:11,889 menacing 617 00:24:12,349 --> 00:24:14,690 to unleash his fury at any moment. 618 00:24:16,484 --> 00:24:18,984 If the people who act wickedly against God, 619 00:24:20,164 --> 00:24:21,625 and against God's plans, 620 00:24:22,884 --> 00:24:24,424 and against God's people 621 00:24:25,605 --> 00:24:26,424 could discern 622 00:24:27,445 --> 00:24:29,224 God's present anger 623 00:24:30,119 --> 00:24:30,859 against them, 624 00:24:31,559 --> 00:24:34,200 they would either repent on the spot or 625 00:24:34,200 --> 00:24:34,940 be undone 626 00:24:35,400 --> 00:24:36,220 in abject 627 00:24:36,680 --> 00:24:37,180 terror. 628 00:24:39,640 --> 00:24:40,940 God will not be mocked. 629 00:24:42,215 --> 00:24:44,315 His anger burns against injustice. 630 00:24:45,974 --> 00:24:48,535 God is a dispassionate judge but he is 631 00:24:48,535 --> 00:24:49,595 not uninterested. 632 00:24:51,174 --> 00:24:54,075 He cares deeply about his creation, he hates 633 00:24:54,134 --> 00:24:54,634 sin, 634 00:24:55,190 --> 00:24:57,450 And he tells us in Exodus 30 four:seven 635 00:24:57,509 --> 00:24:59,349 that he will by no means clear the 636 00:24:59,349 --> 00:24:59,849 guilty. 637 00:25:01,670 --> 00:25:03,349 Remember the question I want you to consider 638 00:25:03,349 --> 00:25:05,670 this morning, are you living in rebellion against 639 00:25:05,670 --> 00:25:06,170 Christ 640 00:25:07,670 --> 00:25:09,369 or are you resting in him? 641 00:25:10,955 --> 00:25:12,734 Vengeance is his, he will repay. 642 00:25:13,994 --> 00:25:16,634 It is a fearful thing to fall into 643 00:25:16,634 --> 00:25:18,575 the hands of the living God. 644 00:25:20,075 --> 00:25:23,115 Today many schools have embraced curriculums that confuse 645 00:25:23,115 --> 00:25:23,615 students. 646 00:25:24,339 --> 00:25:27,559 Many governments prosecute Christians for obeying God's word. 647 00:25:28,579 --> 00:25:29,399 Many companies 648 00:25:29,859 --> 00:25:31,799 make anti biblical policies 649 00:25:32,419 --> 00:25:32,919 compulsory. 650 00:25:34,500 --> 00:25:36,679 Many social media platforms disseminate 651 00:25:36,980 --> 00:25:38,200 content that deceives 652 00:25:38,659 --> 00:25:39,399 and distorts. 653 00:25:41,505 --> 00:25:43,845 It may seem like the wicked will prosper. 654 00:25:45,184 --> 00:25:47,345 It may appear like the conspiracy of the 655 00:25:47,345 --> 00:25:48,964 rulers of the world will prevail. 656 00:25:50,384 --> 00:25:51,204 Yet despite 657 00:25:51,505 --> 00:25:52,244 the rebellion, 658 00:25:52,730 --> 00:25:55,849 in verse 6 God boldly proclaims that He 659 00:25:55,849 --> 00:25:58,190 has set His King on Zion, 660 00:25:58,570 --> 00:26:00,349 His holy hill. 661 00:26:01,849 --> 00:26:03,950 In the middle of absurd scheming, 662 00:26:04,650 --> 00:26:07,130 and while the wicked machinations of man are 663 00:26:07,130 --> 00:26:07,950 running wild, 664 00:26:08,414 --> 00:26:11,134 verse 4 tells us that God sits on 665 00:26:11,134 --> 00:26:13,695 His throne in heaven and verse 6 says 666 00:26:13,695 --> 00:26:16,595 that His King is enthroned on Mount Zion. 667 00:26:18,174 --> 00:26:19,475 The spiritual realm 668 00:26:19,855 --> 00:26:22,735 and the physical realm are both under God's 669 00:26:22,735 --> 00:26:23,795 sovereign rule. 670 00:26:24,710 --> 00:26:25,930 What a great comfort 671 00:26:26,470 --> 00:26:28,490 this should provide to you, dear Christian. 672 00:26:29,509 --> 00:26:33,450 Your salvation is entirely secure and your inheritance 673 00:26:33,990 --> 00:26:34,490 completely 674 00:26:35,109 --> 00:26:35,609 safe. 675 00:26:37,394 --> 00:26:39,795 During the 1st temple period, the Ark of 676 00:26:39,795 --> 00:26:40,375 the Covenant 677 00:26:40,674 --> 00:26:42,535 which represented God's throne 678 00:26:42,835 --> 00:26:44,615 was housed in the temple's 679 00:26:44,914 --> 00:26:45,815 holy of holies 680 00:26:46,595 --> 00:26:49,795 which faced east and was located on Mount 681 00:26:49,795 --> 00:26:50,295 Moriah. 682 00:26:51,320 --> 00:26:52,220 Mount Zion 683 00:26:52,920 --> 00:26:55,339 was to its south, that is to say 684 00:26:55,400 --> 00:26:56,779 at its right hand. 685 00:26:57,559 --> 00:26:58,059 And 686 00:26:58,599 --> 00:27:00,619 that is where the kings of Judah, 687 00:27:01,240 --> 00:27:03,579 since the time of David, had their palace. 688 00:27:04,825 --> 00:27:06,205 God's earthly ruler 689 00:27:06,664 --> 00:27:07,164 sat 690 00:27:07,465 --> 00:27:08,605 at his right hand. 691 00:27:09,305 --> 00:27:10,365 It was a preview 692 00:27:10,744 --> 00:27:12,125 of the permanent position 693 00:27:12,825 --> 00:27:13,565 of privilege 694 00:27:13,945 --> 00:27:16,585 that the divine heir to David's throne would 695 00:27:16,585 --> 00:27:17,565 one day possess. 696 00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:21,460 Mark, and Luke, 697 00:27:21,920 --> 00:27:22,740 and Paul, 698 00:27:23,119 --> 00:27:23,940 and Peter, 699 00:27:24,240 --> 00:27:27,039 and the author of Hebrews all say that 700 00:27:27,039 --> 00:27:28,099 after his resurrection, 701 00:27:28,559 --> 00:27:31,380 Jesus ascends into heaven and sits 702 00:27:31,894 --> 00:27:33,835 at the right hand of the Father, 703 00:27:34,214 --> 00:27:37,974 ruling over angels, ruling over authorities, ruling over 704 00:27:37,974 --> 00:27:38,794 all powers. 705 00:27:40,694 --> 00:27:43,654 So having looked at the society's rebellion and 706 00:27:43,654 --> 00:27:45,974 the sovereign's rebuke, this brings us to our 707 00:27:45,974 --> 00:27:48,380 3rd heading, the sons rule. 708 00:27:49,240 --> 00:27:51,559 In verses 7 to 9, the king who 709 00:27:51,559 --> 00:27:52,940 sits on Mount Zion, 710 00:27:53,320 --> 00:27:55,100 the Lord's anointed speaks. 711 00:27:56,279 --> 00:27:57,019 He says, 712 00:27:57,559 --> 00:27:59,100 I will tell of the decree. 713 00:28:00,034 --> 00:28:01,815 The Lord said to me, 714 00:28:02,434 --> 00:28:03,654 you are my son. 715 00:28:04,434 --> 00:28:04,934 Today 716 00:28:05,474 --> 00:28:06,855 I have begotten you. 717 00:28:07,634 --> 00:28:09,714 Ask of me and I will make the 718 00:28:09,714 --> 00:28:11,015 nations your heritage 719 00:28:11,634 --> 00:28:13,494 and the ends of the earth your possession. 720 00:28:14,490 --> 00:28:17,049 You shall break them with a rod of 721 00:28:17,049 --> 00:28:19,230 iron and dash them in pieces 722 00:28:19,529 --> 00:28:20,430 like a potter's 723 00:28:20,890 --> 00:28:21,390 vessel. 724 00:28:23,369 --> 00:28:26,410 Unlike the posers on earth who wield authority 725 00:28:26,410 --> 00:28:27,230 without integrity, 726 00:28:27,795 --> 00:28:29,735 who sit on their thrones illegitimately 727 00:28:30,835 --> 00:28:31,654 through deception, 728 00:28:32,195 --> 00:28:32,934 through pretense, 729 00:28:33,475 --> 00:28:34,295 through bullying, 730 00:28:34,835 --> 00:28:37,475 who make decisions and utter decrees to enrich 731 00:28:37,475 --> 00:28:39,095 themselves and to pathetically 732 00:28:39,475 --> 00:28:40,775 preserve their power, 733 00:28:41,529 --> 00:28:43,950 the King who sits on Mount Zion 734 00:28:44,809 --> 00:28:45,950 asserts his power 735 00:28:46,329 --> 00:28:47,710 by declaring his 736 00:28:48,009 --> 00:28:48,509 incontrovertible 737 00:28:48,890 --> 00:28:49,390 credentials. 738 00:28:51,210 --> 00:28:52,269 As to the flesh, 739 00:28:52,809 --> 00:28:55,390 he is the legitimate heir to David's throne. 740 00:28:56,325 --> 00:28:58,404 We know this because verse 7 comes from 741 00:28:58,404 --> 00:28:59,704 2 Samuel 714, 742 00:29:00,884 --> 00:29:01,944 where after declaring 743 00:29:02,724 --> 00:29:05,125 that one of David's descendants will sit on 744 00:29:05,125 --> 00:29:06,424 David's throne forever, 745 00:29:07,125 --> 00:29:09,765 God declares, I will be to him a 746 00:29:09,765 --> 00:29:10,265 father 747 00:29:11,059 --> 00:29:13,319 and he shall be to me a son. 748 00:29:14,819 --> 00:29:16,119 The Lord's anointed 749 00:29:16,500 --> 00:29:17,799 is that son. 750 00:29:19,380 --> 00:29:20,839 But in the fullness of time 751 00:29:21,700 --> 00:29:23,940 we now know his identity is even greater 752 00:29:23,940 --> 00:29:24,599 than that. 753 00:29:25,644 --> 00:29:26,625 The Lord tells 754 00:29:26,924 --> 00:29:27,664 the king, 755 00:29:28,204 --> 00:29:29,505 You are my son. 756 00:29:29,884 --> 00:29:30,384 Today 757 00:29:31,164 --> 00:29:32,785 I have begotten you. 758 00:29:34,365 --> 00:29:37,164 God the Father uses these words to describe 759 00:29:37,164 --> 00:29:38,545 Jesus at his baptism 760 00:29:38,929 --> 00:29:39,990 and at His transfiguration. 761 00:29:40,690 --> 00:29:43,329 He says, This is my beloved Son with 762 00:29:43,329 --> 00:29:44,950 whom I am well pleased. 763 00:29:46,049 --> 00:29:48,069 Furthermore, in John 1 and 3, 764 00:29:48,529 --> 00:29:51,509 the beloved disciple calls Jesus, The only begotten 765 00:29:51,730 --> 00:29:52,710 Son of God. 766 00:29:54,134 --> 00:29:55,914 When we recite the Nicene Creed, 767 00:29:56,295 --> 00:29:58,695 we say that the Lord Jesus Christ is 768 00:29:58,695 --> 00:29:59,195 begotten, 769 00:29:59,894 --> 00:30:00,795 not made. 770 00:30:01,975 --> 00:30:02,875 This is because 771 00:30:03,255 --> 00:30:04,555 one can only beget 772 00:30:05,015 --> 00:30:05,515 something 773 00:30:05,815 --> 00:30:06,955 of the same nature. 774 00:30:07,950 --> 00:30:10,210 A dog can only beget other dogs. 775 00:30:10,829 --> 00:30:14,029 A cat can only beget other cats. A 776 00:30:14,029 --> 00:30:16,450 human can only beget other humans. 777 00:30:17,549 --> 00:30:20,690 But the Son of God is eternally begotten 778 00:30:21,309 --> 00:30:22,609 of God the Father, 779 00:30:23,625 --> 00:30:24,125 Precisely 780 00:30:24,664 --> 00:30:27,724 because He is, as the Nicene Creed states, 781 00:30:28,025 --> 00:30:30,424 of one substance with the Father. That is 782 00:30:30,424 --> 00:30:31,085 to say, 783 00:30:31,384 --> 00:30:32,605 He is God. 784 00:30:34,505 --> 00:30:35,484 In other words, 785 00:30:36,025 --> 00:30:37,244 the Lord's anointed 786 00:30:37,960 --> 00:30:39,900 the king on Mount Zion, 787 00:30:40,440 --> 00:30:43,640 the heir to David's throne is none other 788 00:30:43,640 --> 00:30:46,380 than the Son of God made flesh. 789 00:30:47,640 --> 00:30:50,220 The conspirators have no chance against him. 790 00:30:51,205 --> 00:30:53,045 In verse 8, The Father is pleased to 791 00:30:53,045 --> 00:30:55,525 give the Son all the nations even to 792 00:30:55,525 --> 00:30:57,625 the ends of the earth as his inheritance. 793 00:30:59,045 --> 00:31:00,025 In verse 9, 794 00:31:00,325 --> 00:31:02,164 we learn that the Father gave the Son 795 00:31:02,164 --> 00:31:04,565 the right to break the nations with a 796 00:31:04,565 --> 00:31:05,465 rod of iron 797 00:31:05,799 --> 00:31:07,720 and to dash them into pieces like a 798 00:31:07,720 --> 00:31:08,700 potter's vessel. 799 00:31:10,839 --> 00:31:13,320 Here the psalmist paints an image of judgment 800 00:31:13,320 --> 00:31:16,440 for us by describing an Egyptian ritual of 801 00:31:16,440 --> 00:31:16,940 cursing 802 00:31:17,640 --> 00:31:19,640 where someone would write the name of a 803 00:31:19,640 --> 00:31:20,140 person 804 00:31:20,755 --> 00:31:22,674 or of a city on a piece of 805 00:31:22,674 --> 00:31:25,815 pottery and then would pronounce a curse 806 00:31:26,194 --> 00:31:28,454 and smash that pottery on the floor 807 00:31:28,914 --> 00:31:30,134 dashing it to pieces. 808 00:31:32,674 --> 00:31:33,894 If you are in rebellion 809 00:31:34,674 --> 00:31:35,575 against Christ, 810 00:31:36,769 --> 00:31:38,549 if you are living in unrepentant 811 00:31:38,849 --> 00:31:39,349 sin, 812 00:31:40,210 --> 00:31:41,349 raising your fist 813 00:31:41,970 --> 00:31:43,429 against him as it were, 814 00:31:44,130 --> 00:31:45,109 you should know 815 00:31:46,289 --> 00:31:48,390 that it is he who raises his fist 816 00:31:48,929 --> 00:31:49,909 against you, 817 00:31:50,845 --> 00:31:53,664 and that your clay constitution is no match 818 00:31:54,285 --> 00:31:56,065 for his rod of iron. 819 00:31:57,325 --> 00:32:00,144 So having looked at the society's rebellion, 820 00:32:00,605 --> 00:32:01,985 and the sovereign's rebuke, 821 00:32:02,365 --> 00:32:04,365 and the son's rule, let us not consider 822 00:32:04,365 --> 00:32:05,265 our final heading, 823 00:32:05,599 --> 00:32:07,220 the Spirit's rescue. 824 00:32:08,720 --> 00:32:11,119 Yes, the situation is very dire indeed for 825 00:32:11,119 --> 00:32:13,619 those who are in rebellion against the Son. 826 00:32:14,720 --> 00:32:16,099 But there is yet hope. 827 00:32:16,720 --> 00:32:19,059 Look at verses 10 to 12 with me. 828 00:32:21,295 --> 00:32:23,474 Now therefore, O kings, be wise. 829 00:32:24,335 --> 00:32:26,355 Be warned, O rulers of the earth. 830 00:32:27,134 --> 00:32:28,994 Serve the Lord with fear 831 00:32:29,295 --> 00:32:30,755 and rejoice with trembling. 832 00:32:31,615 --> 00:32:32,835 Kiss the son, 833 00:32:33,630 --> 00:32:35,950 lest he be angry and you perish in 834 00:32:35,950 --> 00:32:38,450 the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. 835 00:32:38,910 --> 00:32:40,130 Blessed are all 836 00:32:40,430 --> 00:32:41,490 who take refuge 837 00:32:42,430 --> 00:32:43,170 in him. 838 00:32:45,404 --> 00:32:46,384 In this Psalm, 839 00:32:46,845 --> 00:32:48,924 we've heard the voice of sinners scheming in 840 00:32:48,924 --> 00:32:50,225 verses 1 to 3. 841 00:32:51,164 --> 00:32:52,705 In verses 4 to 6, 842 00:32:53,164 --> 00:32:55,265 we heard the voice of the father rebuking 843 00:32:55,325 --> 00:32:55,825 them. 844 00:32:57,005 --> 00:32:58,605 In verses 7 to 9, we heard the 845 00:32:58,605 --> 00:32:59,664 voice of the son 846 00:33:00,420 --> 00:33:01,640 asserting his authority. 847 00:33:02,900 --> 00:33:04,660 And now in verses 10 to 12 we 848 00:33:04,660 --> 00:33:05,960 hear the voice of the spirit 849 00:33:06,580 --> 00:33:07,559 calling sinners 850 00:33:08,180 --> 00:33:08,920 to repentance. 851 00:33:10,900 --> 00:33:12,200 The rebellious king 852 00:33:12,715 --> 00:33:13,695 might be too arrogant 853 00:33:14,154 --> 00:33:16,654 to heed the call to wisdom 854 00:33:17,355 --> 00:33:19,455 when he's supposed to be the wise one. 855 00:33:20,154 --> 00:33:21,455 The treacherous ruler 856 00:33:21,835 --> 00:33:22,894 might be too proud 857 00:33:23,515 --> 00:33:25,115 to be on the receiving end of a 858 00:33:25,115 --> 00:33:26,894 warning when he's the one 859 00:33:27,319 --> 00:33:29,019 who has authority to issue warnings. 860 00:33:30,839 --> 00:33:31,980 But what about you? 861 00:33:34,440 --> 00:33:35,579 What will you allow 862 00:33:36,599 --> 00:33:37,900 to stand in the way 863 00:33:38,599 --> 00:33:39,579 between you 864 00:33:40,279 --> 00:33:41,500 and eternal life? 865 00:33:43,454 --> 00:33:45,394 The spirit says, Be wise 866 00:33:46,095 --> 00:33:47,394 and heed my warning. 867 00:33:48,015 --> 00:33:50,015 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with 868 00:33:50,015 --> 00:33:50,515 trembling. 869 00:33:51,214 --> 00:33:53,234 In other words, the spirit is calling you 870 00:33:53,615 --> 00:33:54,914 to never forget 871 00:33:55,775 --> 00:33:56,674 who you are 872 00:33:57,214 --> 00:33:58,515 and who God is. 873 00:34:00,380 --> 00:34:02,720 Sincere service to God results in rejoicing, 874 00:34:03,179 --> 00:34:04,480 we're made for it. 875 00:34:04,859 --> 00:34:06,380 This is what we do when we worship 876 00:34:06,380 --> 00:34:06,880 Him. 877 00:34:07,900 --> 00:34:10,400 But as creatures we should never lose 878 00:34:10,940 --> 00:34:11,440 the 879 00:34:12,195 --> 00:34:14,135 sensation of fear and trembling 880 00:34:14,515 --> 00:34:15,414 before God. 881 00:34:16,835 --> 00:34:18,855 The more we understand his awesome 882 00:34:19,235 --> 00:34:20,535 and terrible might, 883 00:34:21,315 --> 00:34:22,695 the more we will marvel 884 00:34:22,994 --> 00:34:25,255 at his grace and his love for us 885 00:34:25,474 --> 00:34:25,974 sinners. 886 00:34:27,719 --> 00:34:29,159 And this will help us grow in love 887 00:34:29,159 --> 00:34:29,820 for him, 888 00:34:30,679 --> 00:34:33,420 which is the greatest vaccine against insurrection. 889 00:34:34,920 --> 00:34:37,179 As Christians our obedience to God 890 00:34:37,880 --> 00:34:39,099 should not be rooted 891 00:34:40,204 --> 00:34:40,945 in fear. 892 00:34:41,804 --> 00:34:43,425 It should be rooted in love. 893 00:34:44,364 --> 00:34:46,625 But fear and trembling remind us 894 00:34:47,005 --> 00:34:48,625 of the awesome context 895 00:34:48,925 --> 00:34:49,824 of our salvation. 896 00:34:50,844 --> 00:34:51,905 In verse 12, 897 00:34:52,460 --> 00:34:55,099 the Psalm ends with an imperative followed by 898 00:34:55,099 --> 00:34:55,679 a benediction. 899 00:34:55,980 --> 00:34:56,799 A command 900 00:34:57,099 --> 00:34:58,400 followed by a blessing. 901 00:34:59,339 --> 00:35:00,559 The command is this, 902 00:35:01,259 --> 00:35:02,239 kiss the son. 903 00:35:04,299 --> 00:35:05,759 And it includes this warning, 904 00:35:06,474 --> 00:35:08,875 lest he be angry and you perish in 905 00:35:08,875 --> 00:35:09,454 the way 906 00:35:09,994 --> 00:35:11,934 for his wrath is quickly kindled. 907 00:35:13,675 --> 00:35:14,734 The amazing thing 908 00:35:15,514 --> 00:35:17,755 is that the word sun is not in 909 00:35:17,755 --> 00:35:18,255 Hebrew. 910 00:35:19,114 --> 00:35:20,175 It is in Aramaic. 911 00:35:21,300 --> 00:35:21,800 Aramaic 912 00:35:22,099 --> 00:35:24,579 was the language spoken by 2 of Israel's 913 00:35:24,579 --> 00:35:25,480 greatest enemies, 914 00:35:26,019 --> 00:35:27,559 the Assyrians and the Babylonians. 915 00:35:29,059 --> 00:35:30,840 In other words, the Spirit's plea 916 00:35:31,140 --> 00:35:33,160 is that all should kiss the sun, 917 00:35:33,619 --> 00:35:34,680 not just Israel. 918 00:35:35,765 --> 00:35:37,305 Our neighbors need the gospel. 919 00:35:38,805 --> 00:35:39,625 Our enemies 920 00:35:40,325 --> 00:35:41,224 need the gospel. 921 00:35:42,085 --> 00:35:42,585 We 922 00:35:43,605 --> 00:35:44,505 need the gospel. 923 00:35:45,445 --> 00:35:48,005 All must pay homage to the son if 924 00:35:48,005 --> 00:35:49,765 they are to have hope. To kiss the 925 00:35:49,765 --> 00:35:51,980 son is to pay homage to him, it 926 00:35:51,980 --> 00:35:53,359 is to submit to him. 927 00:35:54,780 --> 00:35:55,920 Have you done that? 928 00:35:58,219 --> 00:36:00,559 If you haven't, don't wait any longer. 929 00:36:01,179 --> 00:36:03,119 His judgment can come at any moment. 930 00:36:05,295 --> 00:36:06,835 When Judas betrayed Jesus, 931 00:36:08,014 --> 00:36:09,315 he did it with a kiss. 932 00:36:11,775 --> 00:36:13,074 He wasn't paying homage 933 00:36:13,534 --> 00:36:15,855 to Jesus, he was just trying to get 934 00:36:15,855 --> 00:36:16,355 paid. 935 00:36:17,380 --> 00:36:18,199 And he did, 936 00:36:19,539 --> 00:36:20,920 and he's still getting paid. 937 00:36:22,260 --> 00:36:24,340 And the fiery wages of sin will never 938 00:36:24,340 --> 00:36:25,000 run out. 939 00:36:27,059 --> 00:36:28,820 In Luke 7 however, we read of a 940 00:36:28,820 --> 00:36:29,719 sinful woman 941 00:36:31,344 --> 00:36:32,085 who also 942 00:36:32,625 --> 00:36:33,525 kissed Jesus. 943 00:36:34,864 --> 00:36:36,324 She repented of her sin, 944 00:36:37,344 --> 00:36:38,885 and she could not fathom 945 00:36:39,664 --> 00:36:41,045 that someone like her 946 00:36:41,905 --> 00:36:42,724 could be forgiven. 947 00:36:44,690 --> 00:36:45,670 So she took 948 00:36:46,130 --> 00:36:48,309 an expensive alabaster flask 949 00:36:49,409 --> 00:36:50,789 with an expensive perfume, 950 00:36:51,730 --> 00:36:53,989 probably her most precious possession, 951 00:36:56,130 --> 00:36:57,429 and she raised it 952 00:36:58,235 --> 00:37:00,094 and she shattered it to pieces. 953 00:37:02,315 --> 00:37:04,094 But instead of invoking a curse, 954 00:37:05,114 --> 00:37:06,255 it was her curse 955 00:37:07,675 --> 00:37:09,454 that was undone forever. 956 00:37:12,569 --> 00:37:13,869 So she took that perfume 957 00:37:15,530 --> 00:37:17,449 which she purchased with with the wages of 958 00:37:17,449 --> 00:37:18,190 her sin. 959 00:37:20,409 --> 00:37:21,869 And God's anointed 960 00:37:24,135 --> 00:37:25,035 allowed her 961 00:37:25,735 --> 00:37:26,875 to anoint him 962 00:37:28,934 --> 00:37:31,594 with the wages of her sin. 963 00:37:33,335 --> 00:37:35,414 She plays the tools of her trade on 964 00:37:35,414 --> 00:37:35,914 Jesus. 965 00:37:37,630 --> 00:37:39,550 She used her hands and her hair to 966 00:37:39,550 --> 00:37:41,409 clean his feet with her tears, 967 00:37:43,550 --> 00:37:44,849 and to anoint them 968 00:37:45,789 --> 00:37:46,530 with ointment. 969 00:37:50,054 --> 00:37:51,514 Then she used her lips 970 00:37:52,135 --> 00:37:53,355 to kiss his feet 971 00:37:54,534 --> 00:37:55,914 and God's anointed 972 00:37:57,574 --> 00:37:58,714 allowed that too. 973 00:38:00,855 --> 00:38:02,394 And everyone was scandalized, 974 00:38:04,679 --> 00:38:05,739 but not Christ. 975 00:38:07,480 --> 00:38:08,780 He took her sin 976 00:38:10,360 --> 00:38:11,260 and her shame 977 00:38:12,280 --> 00:38:15,179 and he counted it as a joy. 978 00:38:18,014 --> 00:38:19,074 On that day, 979 00:38:20,014 --> 00:38:22,034 the sinful woman kissed the son 980 00:38:23,454 --> 00:38:24,914 and took refuge in him. 981 00:38:26,175 --> 00:38:27,795 Won't you do the same? 982 00:38:28,815 --> 00:38:29,875 Won't we all 983 00:38:30,255 --> 00:38:31,155 do the same? 984 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:33,619 Let us not wait any longer. 985 00:38:34,480 --> 00:38:35,699 Blessed are those 986 00:38:36,000 --> 00:38:36,980 who take refuge 987 00:38:37,519 --> 00:38:39,299 in him. Let's pray.