Ps 2 - Trust in the Lord and His Anointed

Intro

As we sit here at Westminster Seminary California on a Friday night, where do you see the world heading today? One doesn’t have to look much farther than the current news feed to see the trajectory of legalized infanticide, rampant sexual immorality, and corruption that the world seems to be gravitating towards. We see God’s precepts being removed from our entertainment, schools, government, and sometimes—sadly—even our churches. Where is the Christian to turn in light of where society seems to be heading? In , David provides us with some valuable answers as we look at the world, the unshakable will of God, and the wisdom provided.

One doesn’t have to look much farther than the current news feed to see the trajectory of legalized infanticide, rampant sexual immorality, and corruption that the world seems to be gravitating towards. We see God’s precepts being removed from our entertainment, schools, government, and sometimes—sadly—even our churches. Where is the Christian to turn in light of where society seems to be heading? In , David provides us with some valuable answers as we look at the world, the will, and the wisdom.

The World (v 1-3)

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed…” Here, David gives us some insight into the cultural milieu of the day. The leaders of the nations are taking power for themselves and coming together with the express purpose of going “against the Lord and His Anointed.” The hearts of these leaders show nothing but disdain, hatred, and aggression toward God. They are coming together to actively go against God and His Anointed! Verse 3 goes on to say that they have made it their mission to, “burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords…” In his commentary on the Psalms, John Calvin says that another way to say this would be that the aim of the kings of the earth was to overthrow the world that God Himself has set up in His wisdom. They pridefully scorn the world as created by God and amount living in it peaceably to submitting to it as a “slavish and shameful subjection.”

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed…” Here, David gives us some insight into the cultural milieu of the day. The leaders of the nations are taking power for themselves and coming together with the express purpose of going “against the Lord and His Anointed.” The hearts of these leaders show nothing but disdain, hatred, and aggression toward God. They are coming together to actively go against God and His Anointed! Verse 3 goes on to say that they have made it their mission to, “burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords…” In his commentary on the Psalms, John Calvin says that another way to say this would be that the aim of the kings of the earth is to overthrow the world that God Himself has set up in His wisdom. They pridefully scorn the world as created by God and amount living in it peaceably to submitting to it as a “slavish and shameful subjection.”

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed…” Here, David gives us some insight into the cultural milieu of the day. The leaders of the nations are taking power for themselves and coming together with the express purpose of going “against the Lord and His Anointed.” The hearts of these leaders show nothing but disdain, hatred, and aggression toward God. They are coming together to actively go against God and His Anointed! Verse 3 goes on to say that they have made it their mission to, “burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords…” In his commentary on the Psalms, John Calvin says that another way to say this would be that the aim of the kings of the earth was to overthrow the world that God Himself has set up in His wisdom. They pridefully scorn the world as created by God and amount living in it peaceably to submitting to it as a “slavish and shameful subjection.”

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed…” Here, David gives us some insight into the cultural milieu of the day. The leaders of the nations are taking power for themselves and coming together with the express purpose of going “against the Lord and His Anointed.” The hearts of these leaders shows nothing but disdain, hatred, and aggression toward God. They are coming together to actively go against God and His Anointed! Verse 3 goes on to say that they have made it their mission to, “burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords…”

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed…” Here, David gives us some insight into the cultural milieu of the day. The leaders of the nations are taking power for themselves and coming together with the express purpose of going “against the Lord and His Anointed.” The hearts of these leaders show nothing but disdain, hatred, and aggression toward God. They are coming together to actively go against God and His Anointed! Verse 3 goes on to say that they have made it their mission to, “burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords…” In his commentary on the Psalms, John Calvin says that another way to say this would be that the aim of the kings of the earth was to overthrow the world that God Himself has set up in His wisdom. They pridefully scorn the world as created by God and amount living in it peaceably to submitting to it as a “slavish and shameful subjection.”

Does this sound any different from what we are experiencing today? We live in a time where not only politicians are leading the charge but also “thought leaders”—people who establish how culture views specific things—people or corporations like Planned Parenthood, the LGBTQ movement, or take your pick from a plethora of celebrities via social media. It’s no secret. If one stands for what the Lord calls a Christian to stand for, they are often labeled as “close-minded,” “out of touch,” “old-fashioned,” or—worse yet— “prejudiced and bigoted.” Culture is coming together for the purpose of going against the Lord and His Anointed today. And we Christians often let them lead the conversation...

Does this sound any different from what we are experiencing today? We live in a time where not only politicians are leading the charge but also “thought leaders”—people who establish how culture views specific things—people or corporations like Planned Parenthood, the LGBTQ movement, or take your pick from a plethora of celebrities via social media. It’s no secret. If one stands for what the Lord calls a Christian to stand for they are often labeled as “close-minded,” “out of touch,” “old-fashioned,” or—worse yet—“prejudiced and bigoted.” Culture is coming together for the purpose of going against the Lord and His Anointed today.

Does this sound any different from what we are experiencing today? We live in a time where not only politicians are leading the charge but also “thought leaders”—people who establish how culture views specific things—people or corporations like Planned Parenthood, the LGBTQ movement, or take your pick from a plethora of celebrities via social media. It’s no secret. If one stands for what the Lord calls a Christian to stand for, they are often labeled as “close-minded,” “out of touch,” “old-fashioned,” or—worse yet— “prejudiced and bigoted.” Culture is coming together for the purpose of going against the Lord and His Anointed today. And we Christians often let them lead the conversation...

Does this sound any different from what we are experiencing today? We live in a time where not only politicians are leading the charge but also “thought leaders”—people who establish how culture views specific things—people or corporations like Planned Parenthood, the LGBTQ movement, or take your pick from a plethora of celebrities via social media. It’s no secret. If one stands for what the Lord calls a Christian to stand for, they are often labeled as “close-minded,” “out of touch,” “old-fashioned,” or—worse yet— “prejudiced and bigoted.” Culture is coming together for the purpose of going against the Lord and His Anointed today.

Does this sound any different from what we are experiencing today? We live in a day where not only political leaders are leading the charge but also “thought leaders”—people who establish how culture views specific things—people or corporations like Planned Parenthood, the LGBTQ movement, or take your pick from a plethora of celebrities via social media. It’s no secret. If one stands for what the Lord calls a Christian to stand for they are often labeled as “close-minded,” “out of touch,” “old-fashioned,” or—worse yet—“prejudiced and bigoted.” Culture is coming together for the purpose of going against the Lord and His Anointed today.

The Will (v 4-9)

The Unshakable Will of God (v 4-9)

The Will (v 4-9)

The Unshakable Will of God (v 4-9)

What is God’s response to these kings of the nations? Verse 4 goes on to show us that, “He who sits in the heavens laughs,” and, “the Lord holds them in derision.” Who can go against the Almighty? It is an act of futility to try and take on God, the Creator of all things. It’s actually terrifying as verse 5 shows when God speaks to them in His wrath and fury. And then we see God take action in verse 6, “I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” God’s justice necessitates a response, and His response has been given in the form of a King, a Son Who has been given the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession. A Son Who will shatter the nations as easily as taking an iron rod to clay pots. God will have His victory.

What is God’s response to these kings of the nations? Verse 4 goes on to show us that, “He who sits in the heavens laughs,” and, “the Lord holds them in derision.” Who can go against the Almighty? It is an act of futility to try and take on God, the Creator of all things. It’s actually terrifying as verse 5 shows when God speaks to them in His wrath and fury. And then we see God takes action in verse 6, “I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” God’s justice necessitates a response, and His response has been given in the form of a King, a Son Who has been given the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession. A Son Who will shatter the nations as easily as taking an iron rod to clay pots. God will have His victory.

What is God’s response to these kings of the nations? Verse 4 goes on to show us that, “He who sits in the heavens laughs,” and, “the Lord holds them in derision.” Who can go against the Almighty? It is an act of futility to try and take on God, the Creator of all things. It’s actually terrifying as verse 5 shows when God speaks to them in His wrath and fury. And then, God takes action in verse 6, “I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” God’s justice necessitates a response, and His response has been given in the form of a King, a Son Who has been given the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession. A Son Who will shatter the nations as easily as taking an iron rod to clay pots. God will have His victory.

What is God’s response to these kings of the nations? Verse 4 goes on to show us that, “He who sits in the heavens laughs,” and, “the Lord holds them in derision.” Who can go against the Almighty? It is an act of futility to try and take on God, the Creator of all things. It’s actually terrifying as verse 5 shows when God speaks to them in His wrath and fury. And then we see God takes action in verse 6, “I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” God’s justice necessitates a response, and His response has been given in the form of a King, a Son Who has been given the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession. A Son Who will shatter the nations as easily as taking an iron rod to clay pots. God will have His victory.

What is God’s response to these kings of the nations? Verse 4 goes on to show us that, “He who sits in the heavens laughs,” and, “the Lord holds them in derision.” Who can go against the Almighty? It is an act of futility to try and take on God, the Creator of all things. It’s actually terrifying as verse 5 shows when God speaks to them in His wrath and fury. And then we see God take action in verse 6, “I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” God’s justice necessitates a response, and His response has been given in the form of a King, a Son Who has been given the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession. A Son Who will shatter the nations as easily as taking an iron rod to clay pots. God will have His victory.

The Wisdom (v 10-12)

The Wisdom Provided (v 10-12)

The Wisdom (v 10-12)

The Wisdom Provided (v 10-12)

The Wisdom (v 10-12)

But God is gracious and provides a way out from His wrath. In verse 10, David commands that the kings of the nations be wise and be warned. He tells them to serve the Lord with fear and to rejoice with trembling. He points to Who the true King is and tells them to make the right decision. As we know from passages such as , “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” David is giving them the proper perspective concerning Who they are really up against and showing them what their response should be. He tells them to “kiss the Son,” to make their allegiances known, because if they are against the Lord and His Anointed, there is no chance at victory. They will surely perish. He tells them to take their refuge in the Son, because everyone who does will be blessed.

But God is gracious and provides a way out from His wrath. In verse 10, David commands that the kings of the nations be wise and be warned. He tells them to serve the Lord with fear and to rejoice with trembling. He points to Who the true King is and tells them to make the right decision. As we know from passages such as , “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” David is giving them a proper perspective concerning Who they are really up against. He tells them to “kiss the Son,” to make their allegiances known, because if they are against the Lord and His Anointed, there is no chance at victory and they will surely perish. He tells them to take their refuge in the Son, because everyone who does will be blessed.

The Gospel

The Application

The Gospel

Who is this Son? Who is this King that God has set on Zion? Please turn with me to and listen to these words, where more light is shed on this Psalm nearly a thousand years after it was written:

Who is this Son? Who is this King that God has set on Zion? Please turn with me to .

Who is this Son? Who is this King that God has set on Zion? Please turn with me to and listen to these words, where more light is shed on this Psalm, nearly a thousand years after it was written:

Who is this Son? Who is this King that God has set on Zion? Please turn with me to and listen to these words, where more light is shed on this Psalm nearly a thousand years after it was written:

Who is this Son? Who is this King that God has set on Zion? Please turn with me to and listen to these words, where more light is shed on this Psalm, nearly a thousand years after it was written:

English Standard Version Chapter 4

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices ptogether to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, qwho made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,4 said by the Holy Spirit,

r“ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth set themselves,

and sthe rulers were gathered together,

against the Lord and against his tAnointed’5—

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your uholy servant Jesus, vwhom you anointed, both wHerod and xPontius Pilate, along ywith the Gentiles and zthe peoples of Israel, 28 ato do whatever your hand and byour plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, clook upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all dboldness, 30 while eyou stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed fthrough the name of your gholy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, hthe place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and ithey were all filled with the Holy Spirit and jcontinued to speak the word of God with boldness.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices ptogether to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, qwho made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,4 said by the Holy Spirit,

r“ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth set themselves,

and sthe rulers were gathered together,

against the Lord and against his tAnointed’5—

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your uholy servant Jesus, vwhom you anointed, both wHerod and xPontius Pilate, along ywith the Gentiles and zthe peoples of Israel, 28 ato do whatever your hand and byour plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, clook upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all dboldness, 30 while eyou stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed fthrough the name of your gholy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, hthe place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and ithey were all filled with the Holy Spirit and jcontinued to speak the word of God with boldness.

They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of kone heart and lsoul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but mthey had everything in common. 33 And with great npower the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and ogreat grace was upon them all. 34 pThere was not a needy person among them, for qas many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and rlaid it at the apostles’ feet, and sit was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means tson of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and ulaid it at the apostles’ feet.

This is Jesus. The same Jesus in whom the Early Church found the boldness to endure and say the things that needed to be said. The same Jesus who is talking about when it tells of the Rider on the White horse who will lead the armies of Heaven in the last days with, “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” The same King that when Satan tempted Him a third time in by offering Him the Kingdom without the cross chose to die an obedient, gruesome, shameful, and bloody death in your place and my place.

The Application

This is Jesus. The same Jesus in whom the Early Church found the boldness to say the things that needed to be said. The same Jesus who in is talking about when it tells of the Rider on the White horse who will lead the armies of Heaven in the last days with, “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” The same King that when Satan tempted Him a third time in by offering Him the Kingdom without the cross chose to die an obedient, gruesome, shameful, and bloody death in your place and my place.

So what does this look like for you and for me? Like the disciples in the Early church, we can have boldness in saying and doing the things that need to be said and done. No matter what happens the Lord and His Anointed Son will have the victory, even the horrible things brought on the Early Church, listed in verses 27-28 of the passage in Acts that we just read, were “predestined to take place.” Are you having difficulty at work with your boss asking you to do something that you just know is wrong? Are you afraid and struggling to find that way to share your faith with a friend or co-worker or neighbor? Are you failing with a besetting sin that you know goes against the Lord and His Anointed? If any of these things—or a variety of any other things—are weighing on your heart, turn to Jesus. Kiss the Son and take refuge in Him. He has graciously paid for the iniquity of every believer, so repent, believe, and live a life that serves Him with fear and rejoices in trembling.

The King has come. The King has conquered. The King is coming again.

23 When they [Peter and John] were released [after being arrested by the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees for performing miracles and preaching Christ], they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his tAnointed’5— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. This is Jesus. The same Jesus in whom the Early Church found the boldness to endure and say the things that needed to be said. The same Jesus who is talking about when it tells of the Rider on the White horse who will lead the armies of Heaven in the last days that, “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” The same King that when Satan tempted Him a third time in by offering Him the Kingdom without the cross chose to die an obedient, gruesome, shameful, and bloody death in your place and my place.

23 When they [Peter and John] were released [after being arrested by the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees for performing miracles and preaching Christ], they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

“ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his tAnointed’5— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

This is Jesus. The same Jesus in whom the Early Church found the boldness to endure and say the things that needed to be said. The same Jesus who is talking about when it tells of the Rider on the White horse who will lead the armies of Heaven in the last days that, “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” The same King that when Satan tempted Him a third time in by offering Him the Kingdom without the cross chose to die an obedient, gruesome, shameful, and bloody death in your place and my place.

“ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

This is Jesus. The same Jesus in whom the Early Church found the boldness to endure and say the things that needed to be said. The same Jesus who is talking about when it tells of the Rider on the White horse who will lead the armies of Heaven in the last days that, “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” The same King that when Satan tempted Him a third time in by offering Him the Kingdom without the cross chose to die an obedient, gruesome, shameful, and bloody death in your place and my place.

“ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Friends, will you be ready when He does?

This King and Son is Jesus. The same Jesus in whom the Early Church found the boldness to endure and say the things that needed to be said. The same Jesus who is talking about when it tells of the Rider on the White horse who will lead the armies of Heaven in the last days that, “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” The same King that when Satan tempted Him a third time in by offering Him the Kingdom without the cross chose to die an obedient, gruesome, shameful, and bloody death in your place and my place.

The Application

This King and Son is Jesus. The same Jesus in whom the Early Church found the boldness to endure and say the things that needed to be said. The same Jesus who is talking about when it tells of the Rider on the White horse who will lead the armies of Heaven in the last days that, “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” The same King that when Satan tempted Him a third time in by offering Him the Kingdom without the cross chose to die an obedient, gruesome, shameful, and bloody death in your place and my place.

The Application

Let God grant it. Amen.

The Application

So what does this look like for you and for me? Like the believers in the Early church, we can have boldness in saying and doing the things that need to be said and done. No matter what happens the Lord and His Anointed Son will have the victory, even the horrible things brought on the Early Church, listed in verses 27-28 of the passage in Acts that we just read, were “predestined to take place”—that is they were allowed to take place. Are you having difficulty at work with your boss asking you to do something that you just know is wrong? Are you afraid and struggling to find that way to share your faith with a friend or co-worker or neighbor? Are you failing with a besetting sin that you know goes against the Lord and His Anointed? If any of these things—or a variety of any other possible things—are weighing on your heart, turn to Jesus. Kiss the Son and take refuge in Him. He has graciously paid for the iniquity of every believer, so repent, believe, and live a life that serves Him with fear and rejoices in trembling.

So, what does this look like for you and for me? Like the believers in the Early Church, we can have boldness in saying and doing the things that need to be said and done. No matter what happens the Lord and His Anointed Son will have the victory, even the horrible things brought on the Early Church, listed in verses 27-28 of the passage in Acts that we just read, were “predestined to take place”—that is to say they were allowed to take place. Are you having difficulty at work with your boss asking you to do something that you just know is wrong? Are you afraid and struggling to find that way to share your faith with a friend or co-worker or neighbor? Are you failing with a besetting sin that you know goes against the Lord and His Anointed? If any of these things—or a variety of any other possible things—are weighing on your heart, turn to Jesus. Kiss the Son and take refuge in Him. He has graciously paid for the iniquity of every believer, so repent, believe, and live a life that serves Him with fear and rejoices in trembling.

The Application

So, what does this look like for you and for me? Like the believers in the Early Church, we can have boldness in saying and doing the things that need to be said and done. No matter what happens the Lord and His Anointed Son will have the victory, even the horrible things brought on the Early Church, listed in verses 27-28 of the passage in Acts that we just read, were “predestined to take place”—that is to say they were allowed to take place. Are you having difficulty at work with your boss asking you to do something that you just know is wrong? Are you afraid and struggling to find that way to share your faith with a friend or co-worker or neighbor? Are you failing with a besetting sin that you know goes against the Lord and His Anointed? If any of these things—or a variety of any other possible things—are weighing on your heart, turn to Jesus. Our tendency as believers is to shrink back from social pressure, but the Church must move forward in Gospel mission. The Early Church found the strength to be bold in this Psalm and we are being called to do the same. Kiss the Son and take refuge in Him. He has graciously paid for the iniquity of every believer, so repent, believe, and live a life that serves Him with fear and rejoices in trembling. For He is the great King that shatters evil… even the evil in us.

The King has come. The King has conquered. The King is coming again.

So, what does this look like for you and for me? Like the believers in the Early Church, we can have boldness in saying and doing the things that need to be said and done. No matter what happens the Lord and His Anointed Son will have the victory, even the horrible things brought on the Early Church, listed in verse 27 of the passage in Acts that we just read, were “predestined to take place”—that is to say they were allowed to take place. Are you having difficulty at work with your boss asking you to do something that you just know is wrong? Are you afraid and struggling to find that way to share your faith with a friend or co-worker or neighbor? Are you failing with a besetting sin that you know goes against the Lord and His Anointed? If any of these things—or a variety of any other possible things—are weighing on your heart, turn to Jesus. Our tendency as believers is to shrink back from social pressure, but the Church must move forward in Gospel mission. The Early Church found the strength to be bold in this Psalm and we are being called to do the same. Kiss the Son and take refuge in Him. He has graciously paid for the iniquity of every believer, so repent, believe, and live a life that serves Him with fear and rejoices in trembling. For He is the great King that shatters evil… even the evil in us.

The King has come. The King has conquered. The King is coming again.

Friends, will you be ready when He does?

The King has come. The King has conquered. The King is coming again.

Friends, will you be ready when He does?

Let God grant it. Amen.

Prayer

[Prayer]

Gracious Lord and heavenly Father,

Prayer

Gracious Lord and heavenly Father,

Prayer

We praise you for being the all-knowing, all-powerful, good God that you are. Thank you for setting your Anointed One on Mount Zion, Your holy hill. Thank you for providing us with your Son, Jesus Christ. The mighty King who has conquered evil and provided refuge for all those who believe in Him. Father, thank you that by Him we have the right to be called your children. Please help us as we seek to live lives that serve you and help us to find our joy in You. Embolden us in this week to come, that we might be used as an instrument in your hands. We ask this all in Christ’s name. Amen.

Gracious Lord and heavenly Father,

We praise you for being the all-knowing, all-powerful, good God that you are. Thank you for setting your Anointed One on Mount Zion, Your holy hill. Thank you for providing us with your Son, Jesus Christ. The mighty King who has conquered evil and provided refuge for all those who believe in Him. Father, thank you that by Him we have the right to be called your children. Please help us as we seek to live lives that serve you and help us to find our joy in You. Embolden us in this week to come, that we might be used as an instrument in your hands. We ask this all in Christ’s name. Amen.