Psalm 2

READ PSALM 2:1-12

Psalm 1 begins with the words, “Blessed is the man”. Psalm 2 ends with the same pronouncement: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Blessedness bookends Psalm 1 and 2 because they serve as a gateway to the rest of the Psalms. They set expectations and point the way for all who are willing to experience God in a life of costly and even dangerous faith. While Psalm 1 focuses on building a life on the instruction of the Lord, Psalm 2 focuses on the necessary humility and hope that flow from having God as your King. Anyone who builds their life on God’s word will experience the privilege, purpose and power of having God as their King.

Psalm 2 is a “Royal Psalm” meaning it focuses on God’s rule. Specifically, it shows how God moves his promises forward through real people, places, events and history. God’s covenant (promise) with Abraham (Gen 12:1-3) to bless the nations is being realized through the nation of Israel and her King. Singing this Psalm would’ve reminded Israel of God’s promise to bless the nations through them. It would’ve given Israel a reason to hope because God has provided a king (David). And, it gives the promise that no enemy will overturn God’s purposes for Israel.Psalm 2 is organized around 3 basic movements. 1) Rebellion: the world’s response to God. 2) Coronation of God’s King: God’s response to the world’s rebellion. 3) Humble yourself now: the Psalmists charge to all.

SERMON MAIN IDEA: Choose humility or experience futility.

  • God’s rule in question. The Psalm begins by showing the surrounding nation’s response to Israel and her God. They conspire to live a life free from God’s rule. This is the overwhelming response of our hearts to God’s loving rule.

  • God’s rule in person. God’s response to the world’s rebellion is laughter. Instead of executing judgement, God places his King in Zion. The immediate context of Psalm 2 would’ve identified this king as David. Jesus as the Son of David (cf Matthew 1) is the total fulfillment of God’s promise. The Apostle Paul reveals that the resurrection of Jesus is his coronation as King (Acts 13:30-33).

  • God’s rule in power. The promise of Psalm 2 is a King who’s rule and power are unlimited. He will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Ps 2:8-9, Rev 19:15). Therefore, all who have power are called to humbly lay it down at the feet of Christ in worship. Everyone is called to take refuge in Jesus, the King of Glory. 

QUESTIONS

  • How does the world define freedom? 

  • How can God’s laughter at the world’s rebellion be a comfort to you? How can it unsettle you?

  • How does the kingship of Jesus create peace now and at the end of history?  

  • Where do you need to humble yourself and obey God as King today?

  • When it comes to the Church, how is racism less of a social issue and more of “Kingdom” issue?