September 22, 2022 -- Psalm 2:11-12 -- True Power

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Serve the LORD with fear,
   and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son,
   lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
   for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:11-12 ESV

In half an hour or so I’ll be preaching from this Psalm. My congregation will be a room-full of ministers and elders and leaders in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Canada. The passage is a clarion call—a clear sounding alarm—warning world leaders and church leaders, people of whatever station in life to consider their ways and submit to the LORD and to His Christ—the Anointed One.

If the warning is heeded, then those who repent are to break with all the idolatry of their lives and give their honour and their worship to the Father in heaven through their obedience to Jesus Christ. The trembling comes in at the mercy of God, extended despite our great sins. The fear of the LORD is the view of His greatness, and His patience with us—extended until we have finally turned from sin. Old sins and terrible patterns are always pulling on Christians to return to former slave ways. We tremble at the thought of such foolishness.

Those rebellious who do not kiss the Son—that is, confess their sin and turn from wickedness—will experience His wrath. All it takes is a word from Him and nations will be humbled and every rebellion quelled! What a mighty God He is.

What fascinates me is the final line. When anyone leaves his sin and turns to Jesus, He welcomes that person. There is no cursing. No requirement of a ‘time out’ while the King enthroned in heaven makes you sweat, as if to get one to prove his sincerity. No. When someone runs to Jesus, Jesus receives Him, gives Him refuge and safety. What a glorious High King!

King Jesus--Truly You are the Blessed One--the Refuge of all who turn to You. High King of Heaven, thank You for Your salvific work which brings us to our Father as beloved sons and daughters. Spirit of the Living God, work in the hearts and lives of all those around us who do not yet believe, may their hearts too be conquered for King Jesus. Amen.

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