A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 5

Text: Psalm 2

A STRONG WORD OF ADVICE

The tremendous confidence in God's Messianic Plan is clearly seen in the strong word of admonition issued in the following text.

"Now therefore, be wise, O kings:
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him."
Psalm 2:10-12

1. Intended Recipients

The recipients are clearly identified. They are addressed as "kings" and "judges of the earth" (Psalm 2:10). This text may be compared with the earlier word.

"The kings of the earth set themselves
And the rulers take counsel together"
Psalm 2:2

They are essentially the same group of people, even though there is a slight variation of terms. The word "judge" need not be a different category of people, for in those days, kings were the ultimate authority. They judged cases brought to them. The judicial system was bound up very closely to the king himself.

2. Reconciliation advised- "Be instructed…"

The language used in the text is essentially "reconciliatory." This is by far the wisest course of action.

a) Submission - "Serve the Lord"

This was advised rather than the path of rebellion. Rejection of the rule of the Messiah was doomed to disaster right from the start!

b) Service- "Rejoice with trembling"

Surely the rule of the Messiah was not that difficult! Serving the Messiah-King with a great sense of respect was recommended!

c) Reconciliation- "Kiss the Son…"

Subjects kissed the hands or feet of powerful conquerors. The same course of action is advised, for all contemplating wicked and futile rebellion. The wrath of the Messiah-King is not to be risked!

3. Blessing to all who trust the Lord

TRUST- what a wonderful word! There should be no fear in the heart concerning the evil designs of the wicked. God will bless those who trust Him!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~