TWO WAYS TO LIVE
Psalm 2
July 4, 2021
INTRODUCTION:
Well, good morning! Thanks for being here today — and what a great day this is! Today is the 4th of July. And it marks our nations 244th birthday. Earlier this week, Pastor Brad (our children’s pastor) sent me a dad joke that asks the question — WHY AREN’T THEIR ANY KNOCK KNOCK JOKES ABOUT AMERICA? Because Freedom Rings!
Well, today we celebrate our nation’s declaration that we would be FREE. Free of tyranny, free of oppression, free of exploitation. Free (as a nation) to choose the way we will live.
It’s this day, which testifies to the world — that NO ONE IS GOING TO SPEAK FOR US. No one will tell us how we must live or which path we must take. As Americans, we will choose how we live. We will be FREE!
And it’s this idea of choosing our own path in life — that I want to talk with you about today. Because, there is really only two paths in life — two ways to live. One is in freedom and the other is in bondage…which leads to destruction. But the only REAL way to FREEDOM is through JESUS. And it’s this message that the Bible declares again and again.
Did you know, the Bible is a book made up of 66 distinct books. Each one…standing on it’s one. And yet, collectively — they one form one larger book. Some have described the Bible as a LIBRARY of books — but all with one theme…one larger story, pointing us to Jesus?
So, when we read the Bible — we ought to keep our eyes open, always looking for Jesus. So whether we’re reading the Old Testament or the New Testament, everywhere we look we will FIND JESUS!
I’ve even heard that we ought to read the Bible backwards. Starting with the New Testament and then working our way back. Because, when we start with Jesus — all things become clear. Because, Jesus is the answer to every problem or challenge we face.
Don’t miss this — Jesus is the main story of every page of the Scripture. This is true with the New Testament — but it’s also true with the Old Testament. Because, Jesus is the link that unites every story of the Bible.
More than just a man — He is the Eternal King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords! And that’s what I want to show you today by looking at one of the oldest and yet, most profound psalms in the Bible.
So, if you have your Bible, turn with me to Psalm 2.
This Psalm doesn’t tell us who wrote it, but in Acts 4, the apostles attribute it to King David. This some its quoted 17 to 18 times in the New Testament. In fact, it’s found in the Gospels, in the book of Acts, in the book of Hebrews, and in the book of Romans. But it’s this great psalm that functions as an introduction to the entire book of Psalms…setting the tone and helping us to recognize God’s great power and the promise of His great son…the Eternal King.
Again, this is Psalm 2, and it’s here that the Psalmist writes:
1Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:1-12 (NIV)
The Psalm itself doesn’t identify its author — but Acts 4 attributes it to David. Originally, it was considered a Coronation psalm…one which would have been read during the crowning of the newly appointed kings of Israel.
So, David reminds the people of his day that there were only two ways to live.
One was to serve the King and the other was to rebel. The first would bring life and freedom — but the second would be pain, death, and destruction.
But this Psalm is about more than just earthly kings — it’s about the King of Kings. It’s a reminder that you can serve God or Rebel.
And so, as this Psalm begins — David examines our tendency to rebel.
So, here’s the thing — as David begins, he’s a bit confused.
So he begins with a question — the WHY question. And it’s this question that sets the tone for this entire psalm. It’s a question of astonishment…as David tries to understand why people would rebel against God.
1. WHY WOULD YOU REBEL?
Verse 1-3:
1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
God sees the kings of the earth, the people of the earth…setting themselves against Him and His Anointed, the Lord Jesus Christ? He sees their vain plotting, shaping this world as they would, breaking the bonds of His control upon their lives.
So the psalmist rightly asks, “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?”
Verses 2-‐‑3 give the answer:
2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
This global conspiracy against the Lord God, is really a misguided conspiracy. It’s based on the idea that God is harsh and unjust. That somehow, God will demand what can’t be given — and will hurt, harm, and hinder all under His rule.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth…because God (by His very nature is GOOD).
If you were here last week, you’ll remember Pastor Luis talking about this. This was the argument that Jesus makes in Luke 17…when it comes to goodness, no one is able to reflect goodness like our God!
Somehow this world just gets it wrong. And it’s bought into the lie of the enemy — that says God is evil, and what’s evil is good! But that’s such backwards thinking! Because God is good.
But…The real issue is not that God is good — but rather that God is Holy.
In fact, when we consider who God is, it is this issue of His holiness that is often one of the must difficult things to understand. God is HOLY. HE IS RIGHTEOUS — WITHOUT SIN…OR FAULT.
It reminds me of when I was a boy. Because, back in those days — we used to watch TV by turning-in to a station as it was broadcast from a large transmitter or satellite. The way it worked, was that our TV — which was connected to an antenna — would be held high and positioned towards the satellite transmitter. When it was done correctly, the antenna would catch the signal and then transform that signal into a clear picture.
And all was good if the antenna was in the right position, but if it was out of position, then so was our picture. And it would be blurry.
Here’s the thing — since nearly the beginning of time (because of Adam’s Sin back in the Garden of Eden), our ability to pick up the “God’s signal” and see things clearly has been greatly disturbed. And of all the things about God that are hard for us to see, one of the toughest is His Holiness.
And that’s because His Holiness makes us uncomfortable. Because it reminds us of our sin. It reminds us that God isn’t like us…he’s not tainted with sin. We are.
And our sin is really our compulsion to reverse God’s order.
His order is: Love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And then love others as ourselves. And then — we come last.
But our sin problem leads us to: put ourselves first, and then maybe love others, and if there’s any room left in our lives…we might look to God.
And so, it’s His holiness — That becomes our issue with Him. Because we want him to become like us — not us like Him. But, God does not conform to our standard — HE IS THE STANDARD! And, He demands that we conform to Him.
And this is the problem that our world has with God. Because, rather than conform — humanity would rather rebel.
But this makes no sense to David — because He knows God to be good! And God’s holiness draws Him in (it doesn’t push Him away).
But as He writes, He gives us God’s response to Humanity’s rebellion.
2. WHAT IS GOD’S RESPONSE?
Well, notice that contrast of moods between heaven and earth. On earth, the nations are filled with people who are conspire and plotting and scheming against God.
But in verse 4 — David says,
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
God’s not bothered by the plans of the ungodly to unseat him. He’s not caught by surprise or tricked by the deception and schemes of humanity. While nations and people rise up against Him — He simply laughs!
NOT BECAUSE HE THINKS IT’S FUNNY,
BUT BECAUSE HE KNOWS IT’S FUTILE!
He laughs because, while rebellion may be our reality — it’s also vanity! It’s pointless. It’s destined to fail. Because no matter how much the world may try, they’ll never be successful at dethroning God!
While the world plots — God sits!
The Lord’s not pacing the floor in anxiety. He’s simply sitting on the throne — in the heavens.
This doesn’t mean the Lord is distant or uncaring. To the contrary, He’s very much concerned and involved in the redemption of humanity.
While we were plotting to TAKE HIM DOWN —
He was preparing to LIFT US UP!
And that’s what He’s doing in verse 6, where God says,
6 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
Notice the tension. While the kings of the earth may set themselves up against the Lord — He responds by setting His King up FOR THE PEOPLE of this world. God raises up His King (the King of Kings) to bring peace and hope and restoration to the world.
Don’t forget, this was a Psalm of David — written nearly 1000 years before Jesus was born. And yet, God was making it clear — while the people of the earth may reject God — God had chosen them.
So much so — that He had already appointed Jesus as the great SAVIOR of the world.
While it hadn’t taken place yet (in time)…it had already been ordained in Heaven.
And this leads us to the PATH OF HOPE! So…
3. WHERE IS HOPE FOUND?
Well, it’s not found in our own plans or ideas or plots or schemes. All of that leads us to destruction. But true hope in this life (and the one to come) is found in Jesus…in God’s only Son. Just listen to the words of verse 7. The psalmist says,
7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.
These words stand out from the rest. These are words of HOPE…and they point to Jesus.
I find it interesting that in both the book of Acts and the book of Hebrews, we find this verse quoted again. Only, they aren’t describing an earthly king — they are describing Jesus as the Son of God who reigns on High.
Remember what I said at the beginning of this message? Jesus can be found on every page of the Bible. He’s everywhere…because, Jesus is the link that unites the Bible together.
Christ appears in every book of the Bible, sometimes in words, sometimes in shadow, sometimes in prophecy. As Jesus revealed to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, He can be found “in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27).
It reminds me of that great song by Arron Jeffery — HE IS. Which goes through each book of the Bible and identifies how you can find Jesus everywhere. As it says:
In Genesis, He’s the breath of life
In Exodus, the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He’s our (great) High Priest
Numbers, The fire by night
Deuteronomy, He’s Moses’ voice
In Joshua, He is salvation’s choice
…And on and on the story goes.
Because He is everywhere. And it’s here in verse 7 that we find Jesus in this story, as God says of Him:
7 …“You are my son; today I have become your father.”
This is the glory of Psalm 2 — it’s where HOPE is found. Because here God reveals His passion for us all — even those who would plot against Him. Here He reveals His GRACE in the person of Jesus.
And this leads us to that place of decision. Just like all who have come before us — God calls us to make up our minds on how we will live. Will we rebel against His Son (the King of Kings) — or will we surrender to Him?
4. HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?
In the final verse of Psalm 2, God extends His mercy to us all. But the only way we experience His care — is by letting go of our selfish pursuits and unconditionally surrender to Him.
I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but TRUE FREEDOM is only found in our TOTAL SURRENDER to the King of Kings.
Look again at verse 12, because the message is clear. God requires us to fully submit to Jesus Christ if we want to live FREE.
In verse 12, David tells us,
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Now, in our culture — the phrase “kiss the son” doesn’t mean very much. In fact, it might seem a bit strange.
But in the day in which this Psalm was written — those words described the physical act of acknowledging a new King. You might think of the picture of someone kneeling before a king—and kissing his ring.
To kiss the king was to acknowledge His power, to acknowledge His authority, and His kingdom. But it was also a sign of submission and obedience. So to “kiss the son” is a way of acknowledging your embrace of and dependence upon Him. And this makes so much sense — because in the FINAL thought of this psalm, God offers us a clear invitation.
It’s not an ultimatum — it’s a genuine invitation. An invitation to find your help, and hope, and FREEDOM in Jesus Christ.
And David puts it like this. He says,
12 …Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Don’t miss this — He doesn’t say — Blessed are those who take REFUGE FROM HIM. He says, Blessed are those who take REFUGE IN HIM!
This is a stark reminder that there will come a time when you need a place of refuge. That’s the bad news. But, the good news is that God is an unfailing refuge for those who would trust IN HIM.
It doesn’t mean that all of your troubles will magically end. There will still be battles to fight. But through it all — God will be with you!
CONCLUSION:
Well, we end where we began —with the reminder that there’s only TWO WAYS TO LIVE. Live fully surrendered to Jesus (the King of Kings)…or, live in rebellion to Him (suffering now and forever).
So, what will it be?
Will you KISS THE SON? Will you acknowledge His love, His grace, His power, and His authority? Will you fully submit to serving Him — NOW & ALWAYS?
If so, then why don’t you pray with me?
Everyone here today — let’s pray and realign our hearts with His. And let’s confess our faith in Jesus — the promised redeemer, our KING OF KINGS and Lord of Lords!
CLOSING PRAYER:
Let’s pray…Heavenly Father, we thank you for not giving up on us even when we had given up on you. Thank you for your grace and mercy and unending forgiveness. Today we pause to recommit our lives to serving you. We know there’s really only ONE PATH worthy of choosing — and it’s that which finds our refuge in you!
So, teach us to trust you more. Lead us to discover your goodness at a deeper level. Help us understand the beauty of your holiness — and may we strive to become more like you. Guide us down the right path in life…that path of submission to you. And honor your Word, and bless us as we take our place in you. Go with us now, and let us be a reflection of Jesus…our savior and King. And be with us as we celebrate this good day. Bless our meal and all who have prepared it. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
And now, just one more thing: If you’re here this morning, and you’ve listened to everything we’ve said toady — from the worship and testimonies to the message, and through it all, you sense God stirring your heart to trust in Him. To seek Him. To know Him, would you respond by lifting your hand today— to let me know that your want to know Jesus. (Saying, “I want to be saved today?”)
If that’s you, would you be brave enough to slip your hand up and acknowledge that today? As you do, a ministry team member is going to bring you a card (so that you have a tangible way to respond), to God’s prompting in your life today.
Yes, we are so proud of you! In light of your desire to surrender your life to Jesus, would you pray with me? Maybe you’d say something like this:
Heavenly Father, I admit that I am a sinner and I’ve chosen my way over yours too often. But all that changes today. Because, I believe in Your Son, Jesus. I believe that He came from Heaven to earth to pay for my sin. I believe He died on the cross, shed His blood, was put in a grave — and rose again. So, today — I put my faith in Jesus. Forgive me of my sin. Save me and give me new life in you forever. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.
If you prayed today and made a decision to follow Jesus — would you let us know? We are so proud of you.This is the greatest decision you’ll ever make.