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Sermon Notes of Rev.Dr. Ivor J.W.Oakley (Framsden Baptist Church 16-4-2002)
Psalm 1 demonstrated that there are two ways for
individuals to go – godly or ungodly lives. Now in Psalm 2 we read there are
two ways for nations to go – rebel and defy God, or submit and serve the Lord.
Origin of Psalm 2 – reminiscent of events in the reign
of King David (see 2 Samuel 5:17; 10:6f; 7:8-16). Also God’s promise to
establish his house and his kingdom; to be father of David’s son; his kingdom
to last forever. But it is clear that it is really prophecy concerning David’s
greater son, and constantly used in New Testament with reference to Christ
(Hebrews 1:5,8; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5; Acts 13:32,33). Refers to his birth,
quoted at baptism and transfiguration and resurrection, and when apostles faced
opposition from Jews. Also used in Revelation 2:27; 19:15 regarding Christ’s
authority over nations.
Four clear parts: v1-3 – futile conspiracy of earthly kings; v4-6 – reaction of heavenly king; v7-9 – divine authorization of king; v10-12 – plea and ultimatum to rebels.
Nations raging and plotting,
kings and rulers stand opposed to God and his Anointed One. “Anointed One”
is the “Messiah” (Hebrew) or “Christ”, anointed to be saviour and ruler.
The nations want to break bonds or chains in pieces and cast away cords or
fetters from us. In Acts 4:25-30, Peter and John were arrested, warned, then
released. Early church had prayer meeting. They quoted this psalm. Indeed
Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel
to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. Now Lord,
consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great
boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and
wonders. Here is a picture of the human heart’s hatred of God and Christ,
reaction against God’s authority, perceived as fetters and chains. We
don’t want this man to be our king (Luke 19:14), from the parable of the
Ten Minas.
People want to live as they
like, give vent to all their desires, unrestrained. Pride resists a rival. Jews
saw Gospel as a stumbling block; Greeks saw it as foolishness (1 Cor. 1:23). The
Gospel deals a deadly blow to pride. Must accept Christ as Saviour, because
cannot save self. Christ has to be Lord, because cannot please self. People are
not to reign as such. They can discuss and debate it. They are happy to have a
religion which serves them and which they can control and which shows them
future fortune or contact with dead relatives or get in touch with nature. But
they do not want a religion that makes demands, speaks of repentance and rule by
another. People criticize the Bible because the Bible criticizes them. The
carnal mind is at enmity with God, the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does
not want to submit to God’s law (Romans 8:7).
So we see man’s depravity and also his folly. Widest liberty comes from submission to the Gospel. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
“Whose service is perfect freedom”.
People who boast that they are free, and who do as they like, are, in fact, in bondage to their own lusts, sinful desires, opinions of other people, and to self.
God’s reaction is that he laughs and scoffs at them.
God enjoys a joke. We get upset and alarmed about the cause of Christ and the
future of the Gospel. Things which worry us, God sits back and laughs at them.
Consider a child losing its temper, fighting and kicking. The father, with a
smile on his face, can hold him at arm’s length, child cannot reach him, wait
till he has calmed down. God cannot be dethroned. A feather cannot hold back an
ocean’s might. Cannot lift up our hand and bid sun cease shining.
I have installed my king on Zion (v6) – in
supreme place. God’s kingdom cannot be broken by mere men. He is going to
reign forever and ever. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given
to me (Matthew 28:18). Men can fume and rage however much they want. The
moon walks in brightness however much dogs bark at it. The nations are like a
drop in a bucket (Isaiah 40:15).
Then, when longsuffering and patience have run out, God
will act in justice. He rebukes them in his anger, and terrifies them in his
wrath (v5). God will take so much. Result is eternal destruction. “He who
spits against the wind spits in his own face”. There were over 30 Roman
Emperors and provincial governors who persecuted early Christians in the years
after New Testament times. One became deranged, one was slain by his own son,
one became blind, the eyes of one started out of his head, one was drowned, one
was strangled, one died in miserable captivity, one fell dead, one died of
loathsome disease, three committed suicide, five were assassinated, five died
excruciating deaths, eight died in battle.
The day is coming when every knee should bow.. and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).
He said to me “You are my son, Today I have become
your father” (v7). These words are quoted several times in the New
Testament, at Christ’s Baptism This is my son whom I love; with him I am
well pleased (Matt 3:17), and Christ’s transfiguration This is my son,
whom I love; listen to him (Matthew 17:5). (See also Isaiah 42:1; Deut.
18:15; Hebrews 1:5; Acts 13:33f).
These words were said at Christ’s birth and his
resurrection. Not that he became God’s son then, but because God showed and
revealed that he was his son. “Son” in western thought suggests
subordination and derivation. In eastern thought “son” suggests same nature,
co-equal and co-eternal with the father.
Ask of me and I will make the nations your
inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession (v8). Christ’s kingdom
to be worldwide in extent, and people from every nation and tribe to belong to
it. Not mean that all to be saved. Cf. All peoples on earth will be blessed
through you (Gen 12:3). Jesus was light to lighten Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6;
49:6). His final command – to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
These words are wonderfully being fulfilled in this day and age. Need worldwide
view. Although Christianity is not as strong as it used to be in this country
and Europe, the situation is so different if we look at the worldwide viewpoint.
In 20th Century, more people died in Christ than in precious 18 centuries. Also unprecedented growth through the 20th Century:
Africa – 8 million Christians in 1900, 351 million in 2000;
South America – 700,000 in 1900, 55 million in 2000;
Asia – 22 million in 1900, 300 million in 2000;
China (largest country in the world) – Over one million
Christians in 1949. Then, after fiercest persecution (no churches allowed in
1978), over 50 million by 2000. Will soon overtake USA with the largest number
of evangelical Christians in the world.
The “Jesus” film, based on Luke’s gospel, seen by 3 million people, dubbed in various languages, yielding many enquirers. About 700 Bible language projects in world (still 2000 languages yet to have the New Testament). The Scripture Gift Mission distributes scriptures in 450 languages. Gideons are active in 175 countries, placing bibles in hotels, schools, hospitals and prisons. Christian Literature Crusade have 178 bookshops in 54 countries.
Final warning to kings and rulers of earth – Serve
the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way. For his wrath can flare up in a moment (v11-12).
“Kiss the Son” – call to get right with the Son before too late. “Kiss” has 4 meanings:
(a) Reconciliation – strife and rebellion ended, peace established. Father kissed son in parable of Prodigal Son when the son returned. Acceptance of reconciliation that was achieved at the cross. Yield to the Lord, let quarrel be ended, be God’s enemy no longer.
(b)
Mark of allegiance and homage. Eastern subject’s kiss king’s feet.
Must yield to Christ’s government and rule. Give up sins and walk in his ways.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me….. and you will find rest for your
souls (Matthew 11:29).
(c)
Worship – idolaters kiss objects of worship. We should give Christ
divine worship. As we treat Christ, so we treat God. Like Thomas, acknowledge
him as Lord and God. Adore him by service, live for him, surrender whole being
to him.
(d)
Sign of affection and love. Simon, son of John, do you truly love me
more than these? (John 21:15). Kiss Christ – very positive response to
that question. The sinful woman – This woman, from the time I entered, has
not stopped kissing my feet (Luke 7:45). She loved much because her many
sins had been forgiven her.
Kiss the Son – be reconciled, surrender to him, worship
him, love him. But if we refuse to kiss the Son and yield to him, we will know
his judgment, the Wrath of the Lamb (Rev. 6:16). To turn the back on
Christ is to refuse the only hope. He is the sinner’s friend. Whoever
believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see
life, for God’s wrath remains on him (John 3:36).
Finally, Blessed are all who take refuge in him (v12). Message for tonight and every tomorrow. Not trust self or any man, but Christ alone. Cling tightly to Christ. Trust in him at all times and for all things.
