Psalm 2
Sunday, 30 April 2023
“Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” -Psalm 2:11[NIV]
Psalm 2 written by David, is a Messianic Psalm that points to Jesus Christ. The Psalm begins by expressing the rebellious nature of nations and humankind to God’s rule. It is common to see such a situation all around us today – people laughing at God’s rule and living their way, as if God does not exist. It is similar to the condition of Sodom and Gomorrah, like the times of Noah before the flood and the lawless state of Israel during the time of the Judges (Judges 21:25). God laughs at this human rebellion (V. 4) and He responds by sending Jesus Christ (Vs. 7-10) who will have authority to rule over the nations (Revelation 2:26). In a world full of chaos, God is calling people to show discernment and to be wise in serving the Lord. Our key verse-V.11 explains how the chosen in Christ are to serve Him:
· Serve the Lord with fear
A believer should serve the Lord with fear and affectionate reverence. When we ponder the greatness of the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth and who formed each one of us, our hearts should not just experience gratitude for the mercies of God, but we should be in awe of the glorious Creator. What a great and mighty God we serve! We should serve him diligently; afraid to grieve this merciful God who, in spite of our sinfulness gave us His Son, that we may have eternal joy in Him. Ps.111:10 says the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. When we serve the Lord, may we be cautioned of the consequences of straying from His Word. Often times, believers talk of God’s abundant love and mercy, but water down the wrath of God towards those who continue in sin. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29) and one should be fearful of provoking His anger by evil and wayward actions.
· Celebrate with trembling
The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice (Psalm 97:1). Children of God are to rejoice in His rule. During tough times, we should not grumble against the Lord as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Rather when we commit our lives to the lordship of Christ, it should be with a complete dedication, allowing Him to rule over us. We should embrace the Lord’s reign over our lives with profound joy. Further, our joy should be tempered with reverence (trembling), such that we will never deviate from the way that the Lord leads us. This trembling at the majestic rule of the Lord, ensures that we stay in the safety that Christ offers and do not depart from the discipline of God’s Word. Fear without joy is torment, and joy without holy fear would be presumption. (Charles H. Spurgeon) The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:12 to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. His gift of salvation is free through faith in Christ. But our saved lives must be lived out, worthy of His calling on us. As we meditate on this Psalm, let us examine our hearts to ensure that we are serving the Lord and celebrating His reign over us with reverence.
Prayer: “Beloved Father, I commit my life into Your care. Wherever I have been lacking, I seek Your forgiveness and pray that You will reign over me. In Jesus’ name. Amen"