MONDAY, JULY 2
Psalm 2:1-12
Revelation 6:15-17

“Blessed are the
undefiled in the way …”

CHRIST THE MESSIAH, THE ANOINTED PRINCE

Though Psalm 2 has no title of authorship, Peter in Acts 4:25 names David the inspired prophet behind these stanzas. This Psalm naturally divides into four parts, not only from the sense, but also from the stanzas, which consist of three verses each. The fourfold division is: (I) The Nations Revolting (Ps 2:1-3); (II) The LORD Reigning (Ps 2:4-6); (III) The Son Proclaimed (Ps 2:7-9); (IV) The Nations Reproved (Ps 2:10-12).

As Peter viewed the rebellious events of his day through the lenses of this Psalm he saw how vain were the machinations of Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the Jews gathered together against the Christ of God. So must the eruptions of wicked men in our day be assessed in this light that we may not be dismayed when the enemies of God persecute the Church of Jesus Christ. Our hearts will be gravely troubled under persecution unless we realise that there is One Supreme Lord who gives rule even to wicked kings and dictators (Dan 4:17). What a consolation is this knowledge of God’s sovereignty to the Christian minority living among a hostile people. In times of testing, the faithful will take courage as they hear Christ’s words in Revelation 2:10. God the Son will sit on the throne of David in that day to rule over the whole world. “God’s anointed is appointed and shall not be disappointed” (Spurgeon). He is moreover given rule over His enemies for an inheritance. Jehovah has given His Anointed a rod of iron by which He will break them in pieces like potsherd in the Judgment Day.

A message is given to the rebellious to pay homage to the Prince. To “kiss the Son” (Ps 2:12) is to show subjection in inferiors or religious adoration in worshippers. When we see a man being kissed by kings and presidents, who calls himself “Vicar of Christ,” i.e. “representative of Christ on earth as the head of His Church” (Chambers), we see him usurping this honour that is reserved to Jesus alone. When the Son becomes angry for allegiance not properly pledged to Him, they will “perish from the way” (Ps 2:12).

THOUGHT: (Read Revelation 6:15-17.)
PRAYER: Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.