The Joy of Glory

Psalm 2 (click here)
I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.”

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 2:7 and 12)

Reflection
Psalm 2 is a royal psalm concerning the king of Israel.

Kings were considered to be anointed leaders from the Lord and could even be referred to as a “Son of God.” You see…the king was a figurehead or representative of the people…and God’s people were known as his “firstborn son” (see Exodus 4:22). Thus, as the people’s representative, the king was known as God’s son.

God had promised to bless Israel (under certain conditions) and to bless those who blessed them. He also had promised to curse those who cursed them.

This Psalm calls upon the nations to be careful in how they relate to Israel’s king, because how they treat him will affect their own status of being blessed or cursed. They should “kiss” (aka bless) the Son/king so that they will experience blessing…for blessed are those who take refuge in him.

The alternative to such refuge is wrath.

While this Psalm is about Israel’s king, we can easily see how it points to Israel’s ultimate coming king…the messiah/anointed one…Jesus.

How we relate to Jesus is what ultimately determines our status before God. All people are called up on to “kiss” the Son…embrace him…believe in him…receive him. For all who take refuge in him, ultimate blessing and joy is found forever!

The alternative to such refuge is righteous wrath.

Let us run to Jesus…the truly unique, one and only Son of God…and take eternal refuge in him!

*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.