A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 4

Text: Psalm 2

THE MESSIANIC PLAN

One of the most profound truths to be found in the Book of Psalms must be what we may call "The Messianic Plan." In a number of the Psalms, references are made to "The Messiah." It is next to impossible to understand and interpret these texts outside seeing them as "Messianic Psalms."

UNDERSTANDING THE MESSIANIC PSALMS

How should we interpret and apply the truths contained in the Messianic Psalms? Let us take time to ponder the following text, which may be described as typically Messianic.

"Yet I have set My king on My holy hill of Zion.
I will declare the decree:
The Lord said to Me,
'You are My Son,
Today, I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.'"
Psalm 2:6-9

1. Impossible to Limit the Psalm to a Local Setting

Some who do not like the concept of a Messianic Psalm try and interpret the psalm as a mere reference to a king in Israel. However, this approach has to be dismissed, for no king in Israel is given such promises as found in the text!

2. The Prophetic Element of the Messianic Psalms

One of the essential features of the Messianic psalms is that there is a strong prophetic element.
a) The concept of the Messiah has always existed in God's mind
b) This concept was revealed piece-meal by the prophets in particular
c) Some of the Psalms contained Messianic features (hence they were called Messianic Psalms)

3. The Messianic Solution

In God's profound plan, He decreed that He would rule through His Son! The Messiah would be supremely empowered to rule as king. His power may be compared to "a rod of iron." The wicked men who think themselves very powerful are compared to "pots" which would shatter when the rod of iron is applied!

PRAYING IN CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE MESSIANIC PLAN

Much encouragement would come to the heart when one learns to pray in awareness and in faith of God's Messianic Plan! His decree would prevail against evil!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~