Psalms2 Induc

The facts:

1. In verse 1,What two things has the psalmist observed that puzzle him?

Why do the nations rage (conspire)?

And the peoples meditate a vain thing (emptily)?

2. In what ways are the nations raging (conspiring)?

The kings of the earth set themselves

And the rulers take council together against Jehovah and His Annointed,

3. What two things are they meditating on, vainly?

saying, "Let us break their bonds asunder

and cast away their cords from us."

Interp:

Why do they rage? What's implied?

What do the nations believe about the Lord that would lead them to rage? What do they believe about His bonds? about their nature? What are the bonds? (Remember this is duo w/ psalm1-- you may use it--verbal clues).

What is the difference between the man who receives a blessing in ps 1 and the nations here? One meditates on God's law, finding his delight in it; the other meditates how to be free from God's law.

Bonus:

What do the nations imply about the rule of Jehovah and His Annointed when they design to break their bonds and cast off their cords?

It is oppressive, taxing, hard to bear.

What does the psalmists say about Jehovah's rule by contrast?

Blessed are all they that take refuge in Him. Where have we heard that blessing before--what does this imply about what it means to take refuge in Yahweh?

What really is the problem with meditating on breaking the bonds of God?

It can't be done. To those who seek to do so, God appears wrathful and terrifying. His law is unshakable, His purposes secure. To try to break the laws that God has set up, the very founding principles of the Creator's universe is impossible, so it is like a wolf trying to attack sheep when the shepherd has an iron rod, or like pottery trying to break the ground by jumping off the shelf.

Facts:

What is God's response to these meditations?

1Laugh, have them in derision, 2speak in wrath, vex in displeasure, 3I have set my king on my holy Hill

Why is laughing compared to speaking in wrath?

Here is the decree: Yahweh told me, "You are my Son, My under-king"

The nations will be Your inheritance

You will destroy them as easily as breaking pottery

In summary--the meditations of the nations are vain because of the Messiah--the under-king who will rule this planet, destroying all who do not fear God and pay homage to Him.

How does the same God who gave the delight in ps 1 give destruction in ps 2?--Authority is based on consistency. God has to be consistent if He's telling us the truth. If sin kills, then God must let it. Like child w/ parent, no authority if no consistency. (Is the difference in God or in the people?)

Why? Only one way works. (Psalms is very subtle in telling us that the ways God has ordained are naturally lasting and beneficial, and that the wicked naturally reap destruction.)

What is going on? serve w/ fear and rejoice w/ trembling? Kiss the Son or He'll be angry? It sounds like love me or I'll kill you. --love can't be faked.

What characteristic of God allows Him to say this?

So what it's really saying is, come to know me and I guarantee you'll love me, but ignore me and destruction is the result. Only One can make claims like that, the same one who said, "God is love, and no one comes to the Father but by me. There is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved." Why? Jesus is God, the Creator the source of life, no one else can give life!

His wrath is easily kindled, but those who take refuge in Him are blessed?

Verse 9 Who is getting dashed to pieces? Nations? or wicked kings who are warned to be wise in very next verse? Messiah is the ruler who will not try to break free from Yahweh's authority, and Yahweh will give all nations to Him to be under His authority, and if human kings get in the way by being rebellious, they will meet destruction.

God isn't angry because we break arbitrary rules. He's angry because we're killing ourselves!

How is Messiah an answer to rebellion? How is the Annointed Son of God become flesh the answer to rebellion that seeks to break the restrictions of God's law?

When Jesus came how did He break rebellion? Not by force, but by love. Now I can Kiss the Son and take refuge in Him not out of fear of what's coming if I don't, but out of love for the shepherd who can protect me from those who would be lawless.

Application:

How's your faith today? How are you liking this God who would become a human in order to put out the fires of rebellion in your heart which You could not put out?