Psalm 2 teaches us that Jesus is King. He is indeed the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16). Let us learn some things about the kingship of Jesus.

First, people are in rebellion against Jesus Christ the King. Psalm 2:1-3 talks about nations raging and plotting against the Lord’s anointed one. The human heart is in rebellion against God and this rebellion can express itself in conspiracy to harm Christ and his people.

A proper understanding of human nature is important. The Bible teaches that people are fallen and are in rebellion against God. This rebellion is within the hearts of people and may or may not express itself in visible and tangible ways. Children can be in rebellion as much as adults.

Why do people blaspheme God? Why do some political leaders talk about wiping Israel off the map? Why do people not worship their Creator? Is it not because of the innate rebellion in their hearts? The psalmist is incredulous that people should be so rebellious as to plot against the Lord.

Some people ask do we need Jesus? People who think like this reveal they do not know the state of their hearts. If people knew their hearts they would certainly know they need a Saviour.

As a young adult I did not believe in God or his anointed one. I realize more and more now how rebellious I was against the Lord. Although I did not plot against him and his people nevertheless I was in a state of rebellion against the Lord.

Secondly, the Lord God establishes Jesus as the King (v.4-6). Despite all the rebellion of mankind against Christ, God still instals him as King of kings. Psalm 2:6 says “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” The word “yet” is significant for it indicates that despite all human rebellion, God still exalts Christ Jesus and sets him up as King. God will have his way. People’s rebellion shall not prevail against him.

Thirdly, Christ’s kingdom shall grow (v.7-9). People may rage against him, but Jesus prevails and his kingdom shall grow. The nations shall be given to him as an inheritance. He shall rule over them and the ends of the earth shall be a possession for him.

This has been and is being borne out in history. The early church suffered much persecution but Jesus prevailed over all persecution and the church grew. Today in various parts of the world the church is growing despite the raging of governments against Christ. Living in New Zealand we may think that the church is not flourishing but if we look abroad we see that the kingdom of Christ is growing even in places where it is being oppressed. Truly the cause of Jesus Christ is increasing all over the world and in this we ought to be thankful. God’s word is true. Christ’s kingdom shall grow.

Finally, Christ the King offers peace and reconciliation to rebellious people (v.10-12). Psalm 2 ends on a wonderfully merciful note. The King offers peace to rebels. He exhorts kings and judges of the earth to be wise and instructed. He exhorts them to serve the King, to fear God and to rejoice with reverential fear.

People are to kiss the Son lest he be angry. Kissing can denote affection. But it can also denote submissiveness and it is this that is meant by the saying “kiss the Son”. We note this meaning from 1 Samuel 10:1 where Samuel kissed King Saul, indicating that as an Israelite he is submissive to the king. Also in 1 Kings 19:18, 7000 Israelites did not bow the knee to Baal or kiss him. That is, 7000 refused to be in submission to an idol. Thus in Psalm 2 the Lord exhorts people to flee their rebellion and kiss the Son, that is, to be in submission to the true King.

The lesson of Psalm 2 is that Christ Jesus reigns and he offers peace and reconciliation to rebellious people. We end by observing that in Psalm 2 there is much mention of God’s wrath. The offer of the gospel comes with love, but for those who reject it there remains the wrath of God to come. Turn away from wrath and hellfire and be in submission to the King of kings today.

I know a man who wrote a book about hell. His aim was to win people to Christ. I asked him if it was right to scare people into believing. I have never forgotten his answer. He said if he could scare people from hell into heaven he would feel he achieved something. Let us fear the wrath of God. Flee from it. He offers pardon to your rebellious hearts. Submit today to his anointed one, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

(Summary of Sermon by David Yan on 15 Jan 2006)