Scripture: Job 38:4-7

C.I.: A Heavenly Medley Against an Earthly Cacophony

Last week we began a new series…. – A psalm is a spiritual song sung to one of two audiences!
We just sang in 4 part harmony – Today in Psalm 2 we will also hear 4 parts – but only three and in harmony!

I. PSALM 2: Three Part Harmony versus One Part Dissonance

A. The Voice of the World (verses 1-3)

1. (v. 1), “Why are the nations in an uproar, and the peoples devising a vain [useless] thing?”
a. Anger & problems of the world – while seeming to have many sources – arise from a single cause!
b. Problems between nations, peoples, races, religions – in marriages, families, churches, etc.!

2. The underlying cause of ALL the world’s problems is one thing – REBELLION!
a. (Vs 2-3), “The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed [Messiah/Christ]. – ‘Let us tear their [Plural] fetters apart, and cast their cords away from us.”
b. Notice the world is in rebellion - against two beings:
1) “Lord” = God (He demands holiness) – I Pt. 1:14-16, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One….”
2) “Anointed” = Jesus (He demands Faith) – Heb. 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible….”

3. It is because of this rebellion – from the Garden of Eden to the Judgment - the world has problems!!
a. This is so sad – for God has continually reached out to a lost world – (Jn. 3:16; Matt. 23:37).
b. If the world would only raise its voice in adoration to the Lord – so many problems would cease - and one day it will (Phil. 2:10-11), “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord….”
c. The world may be at war with God – but the battle belongs to the Lord!

B. The Voice of the Father (verses 4-6)

1. The nations believe their anger hurts God – yet His response would surprise them…
a. (v. 4), “He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them.”
b. The believer today would do well to remember God’s response – when others mock you!
c. ( I Pt. 3:13-14, “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?- Even if you should suffer for the sake of R., you are blessed. – Do not fear their intimidation & do not be troub

2. But a day is coming for the rebellious – when God will no longer laugh at them – then will they fear!!
a. (v. 5), “Then He will speak to them in His anger – and terrify them in His fury.”
b. (Rom 2:5; Heb. 10:31), “Because of your stubbornness…” – “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

3. Yet for those who refuse to sing the “world’s song” – God has a wonderful chorus…
a. (v. 6), “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Mt. Zion, My holy mountain.”
b. Spiritually this promised has been fulfilled for Christians today.
c. (Heb. 12:22-24), “You have come [past tense – already true for us] to Mt. Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.”
d. And so there is this wonderful assurance – to all who call upon the name of the Lord!

C. The Voice of the Messiah (verses 7-9)

1. Two Reasons Why the World Should Listen to the Song of the Anointed:

a. #1. Because He is Divine – (v. 7)
1) “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, - today I have begotten You.’”
2) “Begotten”: Not by a natural, physical birth – but through a supernatural birth from the dead!
3) Notice how the inspired Apostle Paul used this verse in Pisidian Antioch to prove Jesus deity - “God has fulfilled His promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is written in the 2nd Psalm, ‘…’ – and as for this fact that He raised Him from the dead,” (Acts 13:33-34).
4) For the resurrection provides us with the proof – that Jesus is God – (Rom. 1:4), “Jesus was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead.”

b. #2. Because of His Authority – (v. 8)
1) “Ask of Me and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.”
2) While the world is in an “uproar” (v. 1) – making rebellious plans (v. 2) – calling for freedom from God (v. 3), - Jesus has the power and right to discipline them in their rebellion!
3) They may not want to submit to the Messiah – but He has authority, (Quote Matt. 28:18).
4) And so we all hail the power of Jesus name – who returned from the dead – and has been given all authority!!

D. The Voice of the Spirit (verses 10-12)

1. For those who no longer want to sing the “world’s song” – but are moved by the words of God’s song – who are willing to heed the lyrics before it is too late – the Spirit of God speaks to them now…
a. (vs. 10-12), “Now therefore O kings, show discernment; take warning O judges of the earth [cf. v. 2]. – Worship the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling. – Show reverence to the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way [cf. 1:6], - For His wrath may soon be kindled. – How blessed are those who take refuge in Him.”
b. The message is clear:
1) The world is in rebellion against God and against His Messiah!
2) Yet the Spirit tells us that God doesn’t want them to be condemned - but saved (II Pt. 3:9).
3) Those who take refuge in the salvation Jesus offers will be blessed (Mk. 16:16a).
4) But those who refuse Him will perish in the wrath of God (Mk. 16:16b)!
c. If you are ready to begin singing the song of heaven – come now – its only a step!