WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.400 And so, Lord, as we come to hear your word, we pray that you would give us the hearing of faith. 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.199 We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:00:09.800 --> 00:00:14.660 Please have a seat. And it's a pleasure now to hand over to Dabby. Thanks, Dabby. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:45.159 Great. Well, good morning, everyone. It's lovely to see you all this morning. It's my real pleasure and privilege to be with you all this morning. 00:00:45.280 --> 00:00:55.019 If you don't know who I am again, James has mentioned. My name is Dabby. I'm here with my wife, Emma, currently the student worker at Chandler's Church, also studying ETS, a free church candidate, 00:00:55.020 --> 00:01:00.359 away to Berghead next month to train as a minister there with Peter Turnbull. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:07.980 So if you have any tips about Berghead, please do feel free to share them. I've made this plea multiple times. 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:11.640 Not many people have come forward. I think that's more to do with Berghead than me. 00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:15.840 So we're looking forward to it, though, regardless of what it's like. 00:01:16.939 --> 00:01:20.340 We're going to be thinking about Psalm 2 together this morning. 00:01:20.340 --> 00:01:26.480 So if you'd like to open that up in your Bibles, if you've got some with you, or your phone, please do so just now. 00:01:26.600 --> 00:01:31.420 And do keep that open in front of you. We'll be making reference to it as we go through. 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:38.560 We're beginning a new series in the Psalms this morning. James has asked me to begin this series. 00:01:39.159 --> 00:01:43.140 A series entitled The Fear of the Lord in the Psalms. 00:01:43.300 --> 00:01:45.719 And this is a really appropriate place to start. 00:01:45.719 --> 00:01:50.659 So let me read it to us, and then I'll pray for our time together, and then we'll get started. 00:01:50.780 --> 00:01:52.640 Let me read it for us. 00:01:56.599 --> 00:02:00.700 Why did the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 00:02:01.840 --> 00:02:06.579 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord 00:02:06.579 --> 00:02:08.520 and against his anointed, saying, 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:13.360 Let us burst our bonds apart and cast our cords away from us. 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:17.400 He who sits in the heavens laughs. 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:20.780 The Lord holds them in derision. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:26.599 Then he will speak to them in his wrath and terrify them in his fury, saying, 00:02:27.180 --> 00:02:27.840 Ask for me. 00:02:28.579 --> 00:02:31.699 I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill. 00:02:31.699 --> 00:02:34.919 I will tell of the decree. 00:02:35.039 --> 00:02:38.019 The Lord said to me, You are my son. 00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:40.339 Today I have begotten you. 00:02:41.139 --> 00:02:46.259 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession. 00:02:46.979 --> 00:02:53.259 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 00:02:53.259 --> 00:02:59.280 Now, therefore, O kings, be wise. 00:03:00.060 --> 00:03:02.379 Be warned, O rulers of the earth. 00:03:03.379 --> 00:03:06.759 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:13.939 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. 00:03:15.899 --> 00:03:19.120 Blessed are all who take refuge in him. 00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:22.879 Let me pray very quickly before we start. 00:03:24.099 --> 00:03:29.640 Our Father, we pray that you will bless us this morning by raising our affections afresh 00:03:29.640 --> 00:03:36.420 towards your Son and your King, our loving Savior, the mighty Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:37.860 --> 00:03:39.599 In his name we pray. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:40.960 Amen. 00:03:42.159 --> 00:03:42.800 Amen. 00:03:42.900 --> 00:03:47.980 Well, let me begin this morning by asking us a really quick question. 00:03:47.979 --> 00:03:53.719 When your co-workers or your colleagues or your friends at school or your uni friends 00:03:53.719 --> 00:03:59.459 ask you what you're up to at the weekend, what do you say? 00:04:02.979 --> 00:04:09.899 When I was in high school and university and even now sometimes at the Barbers or with neighbors, 00:04:10.659 --> 00:04:15.060 my answer would consist primarily of what happened on Saturday. 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:24.439 If I was particularly brave, I might mention church on Sunday, swiftly followed by what we had for lunch. 00:04:26.180 --> 00:04:27.439 Perhaps you can relate to that. 00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:38.920 Why is it that I wasn't and I still am not from time to time willing to be as open about the spiritual side of my life, 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:45.920 the spiritual reality I know to be true, as I was and am the leisure, the hobbies, the interests, 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:47.680 the family side of my life? 00:04:47.680 --> 00:05:01.400 Well, I used the words brave earlier on quite purposefully, and that is because I think what fuels this kind of doctoring of information 00:05:01.400 --> 00:05:09.280 was and is ultimately a sharp, instantaneous, stomach-churning fear. 00:05:09.279 --> 00:05:19.439 A fear of what they will think of me and subsequently what they might do to me or how they might treat me. 00:05:22.199 --> 00:05:23.359 Perhaps you know what I mean. 00:05:23.879 --> 00:05:31.439 You're standing at the school gate and a parent who you're friendly with suggests a play date on a Sunday morning. 00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:42.319 Or it's LGBT month at school and your friends ask you why you're not wearing the appropriate color if you've chosen not to. 00:05:43.180 --> 00:05:51.800 Or your uni friends ask you why you've stopped drinking when everyone else keeps going and all the eyes in the room turn toward you. 00:05:53.480 --> 00:05:55.959 And the fear strikes, doesn't it? 00:05:55.959 --> 00:06:02.779 What are the consequences going to be for me if I say what I believe and what I think to be true? 00:06:04.519 --> 00:06:10.299 And of course, all the alternative options suddenly become really attractive, don't they? 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:12.120 Maybe I could stay quiet. 00:06:12.919 --> 00:06:14.899 Maybe I could dodge the question. 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:16.620 Maybe I could soften the answer. 00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:18.039 Maybe I could lie. 00:06:18.040 --> 00:06:19.040 Maybe I could lie. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:26.680 Peter and John, as we read in Acts 4, had just experienced something we might be really terrified of. 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:28.600 Imprisonment. 00:06:29.840 --> 00:06:36.180 Further threats of punishment followed by gag orders because what they were saying was not acceptable. 00:06:38.080 --> 00:06:42.400 Perhaps it's closer to home nowadays than it would in a long time. 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:49.339 And although we might not be in immediate danger of this kind of response yet, there are other responses we feel very much in danger of. 00:06:49.959 --> 00:06:50.979 Being left out. 00:06:51.899 --> 00:06:53.560 Not being considered for promotion. 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:55.239 Abused. 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:55.839 Bullied. 00:06:57.099 --> 00:06:58.120 Kicked out of group chats. 00:06:58.259 --> 00:06:58.639 Ridiculed. 00:06:58.779 --> 00:06:59.839 Defamed on social media. 00:07:00.659 --> 00:07:03.199 These are real possibilities and they're really uncomfortable. 00:07:04.779 --> 00:07:05.679 They're upsetting. 00:07:05.859 --> 00:07:06.339 They're unfair. 00:07:06.339 --> 00:07:11.379 And our fear of these consequences is real. 00:07:12.399 --> 00:07:13.019 Isn't it? 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:15.799 And it often feels insurmountable. 00:07:19.679 --> 00:07:27.039 Well, Peter and John, when they're released from prison and they return to their friends, they use Psalm 2 as a prayer. 00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:29.379 And they keep speaking. 00:07:30.479 --> 00:07:34.519 And they're the first real signs of opposition to the gospel for Jesus' followers. 00:07:34.759 --> 00:07:35.959 Post his resurrection. 00:07:36.179 --> 00:07:39.000 Real physical, political, religious persecution. 00:07:40.199 --> 00:07:41.500 Psalm 2 is where they turn. 00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:43.759 Now, why is that? 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:45.939 Why do they choose this Psalm? 00:07:48.199 --> 00:07:54.839 Well, hopefully we'll see as we study it together why it would be really, really appropriate for that situation and for our situations as well. 00:07:54.839 --> 00:08:05.299 As we long to speak for Jesus in a culture made of authorities that are, on the whole, counter to his rule and counter to those who trust in his gospel. 00:08:05.300 --> 00:08:23.360 And in the midst of real pressure, real persecution, Peter and John, they are convinced again that to be with King Jesus, the Lord's anointed, even though it is not uncomfortable, or it is uncomfortable, it's ultimately the only blessed place to be. 00:08:23.360 --> 00:08:28.360 So let's look at the psalm. 00:08:28.759 --> 00:08:31.800 We'll take each chunk in turn, each stanza in turn. 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:34.440 So four points on the whole, really quickly, I promise. 00:08:34.860 --> 00:08:36.220 Firstly, verses 1 to 3. 00:08:36.220 --> 00:08:40.540 The world proclaims its rebellion against the Lord. 00:08:40.540 --> 00:08:53.620 The picture that is painted in verses 1 to 3 is of the attitudes of the world, its countries, its peoples, its kings, its rulers, and what attitude they have in relation to the Lord. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:09:00.740 And to sum up in a way, it's worldwide, universal rebellion. 00:09:02.019 --> 00:09:11.080 And that rebellion manifests itself in plots and attempts to burst the bonds, the control, the authority that the Lord has on them. 00:09:12.560 --> 00:09:14.960 It's a striving for freedom. 00:09:14.960 --> 00:09:30.879 Individual freedom, complete autonomy, and separation from the creator God and his anointed supposedly oppressive rule. 00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:43.320 And that rebellion, Peter and John find out, has direct implications for those who do submit to the creator God and his anointed king. 00:09:43.320 --> 00:09:45.379 They experienced that firsthand. 00:09:45.780 --> 00:09:57.240 Herod and Pilate and the religious leaders of the time, the rulers and the kings, if you will, so hated Jesus' call for submission and repentance that they killed him. 00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:02.940 And now, the physical well-being of Peter and John was in danger. 00:10:03.040 --> 00:10:04.460 Their freedoms were curtailed. 00:10:04.780 --> 00:10:07.780 Their relationships with their friends and their neighbors, I'm sure, became very tense. 00:10:09.380 --> 00:10:12.180 As with Jesus, so with his followers. 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:16.140 Of course, that's also true today. 00:10:17.140 --> 00:10:27.040 We look at the news and we see street preachers being arrested, chaplains reported as terrorists, Christians resigning for jobs as politically, morally. 00:10:27.580 --> 00:10:34.379 The nation turns more and more individualistic and secular, particularly in the realms of sexual orientation and gender. 00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:44.659 God's authority and rule is more and more rejected, ridiculed, left to the side. 00:10:45.519 --> 00:10:46.860 And so are his followers. 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:53.700 And perhaps you're thinking, gosh, that's really bleak. 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:55.139 I know all this. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:11:01.819 That's why, when the circumstances call for it, I'm really scared to speak. 00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:06.199 Verse 12 of Psalm 2, at the very, very end, says that it's, 00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:09.840 to be on King Jesus' side is a blessed place to be. 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:13.899 But whenever I side with him, I suffer. 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:19.120 And that, it becomes harder and harder to believe that really is the blessed place to be. 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:31.519 Well, in response to that, have a look at the very first word of the very first verse of Psalm 2. 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:34.200 Why? 00:11:36.940 --> 00:11:43.299 The author of the Psalm looks upon all this rebellion as absolute folly. 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:49.959 The people, these rulers, they should know better. 00:11:51.139 --> 00:11:59.839 Trying to be free of the reign of the Lord and his king is like trying to be free of air and breathing. 00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:04.879 Not only is it impossible, it's a stupid thing to want. 00:12:06.519 --> 00:12:10.259 The disciples knew that all that they were facing was folly. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:15.120 They looked at Herod and Pilate and the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel that rose against them, 00:12:15.340 --> 00:12:16.500 the powers of oppression. 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:20.519 And with this Psalm on their lips, said, in a nutshell, 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:22.460 why do you guys bother? 00:12:25.659 --> 00:12:27.480 That's an audacious thing to say. 00:12:30.679 --> 00:12:33.980 It might be outrageous if it were not true. 00:12:36.340 --> 00:12:38.379 The disciples have the right attitude. 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:45.600 Luke sneaks in a little detail, which is wonderful. 00:12:45.980 --> 00:12:46.659 It's in verse 4. 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:47.639 No need to turn it up. 00:12:47.679 --> 00:12:48.480 I'll read it for us. 00:12:49.659 --> 00:12:56.080 Even as the Sadducees rushed upon Peter and John to shut them up, 00:12:56.600 --> 00:12:58.460 5,000 had already been added to their number. 00:12:58.460 --> 00:13:07.860 You see, rebellion against the rule and authority of the creator God by his creatures 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:10.800 has always been the case. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:12.280 And it's always been present. 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:18.639 And it's always had implications for the Lord's people. 00:13:19.420 --> 00:13:20.100 But here's the thing. 00:13:21.200 --> 00:13:22.480 It never actually works. 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:28.139 Emma and I work with students here in Edinburgh. 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:34.360 Even in lockdown, we've seen students trust the gospel and settle in churches. 00:13:34.920 --> 00:13:39.940 Churches are being planted throughout Scotland, as secular a nation as you can get, perhaps. 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:46.220 Iran has the fastest growing evangelical movement in the world, 00:13:46.280 --> 00:13:48.700 and that's within a real Islamic theocracy. 00:13:49.520 --> 00:13:57.080 Gospel partners in East Asia will regularly comment on the overwhelming success of the underground church, 00:13:57.160 --> 00:14:02.220 particularly in China, a communist state that is really dead set against Christianity. 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:10.080 In fact, I read last week about a covert expedition in the 80s, 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:15.540 which saw one million Bibles smuggled into China in under two hours, 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:19.580 directly under the noses of the port authorities and the guards. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:20.940 And it's outrageous. 00:14:21.180 --> 00:14:21.740 It's amazing. 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:31.060 All these are examples of what has been happening and is always happening in our country and in our world. 00:14:31.059 --> 00:14:36.919 The rebellion of the world's people and their rulers against the Lord, it never really works. 00:14:38.179 --> 00:14:39.959 And in fact, the opposite is often true, isn't it? 00:14:40.299 --> 00:14:45.739 Under the most oppressive rebellion, it's often there that the gospel grows. 00:14:48.359 --> 00:14:56.500 Peter and John and their friends were not surprised at what they were experiencing. 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:59.239 They knew what this psalm teaches. 00:15:01.059 --> 00:15:08.379 But they were seeing and experiencing not just the opposition born out of the rebellion of verses 1 to 3, 00:15:08.699 --> 00:15:12.579 but also the affirmation that comes with that first word of that first verse. 00:15:12.739 --> 00:15:13.079 Why? 00:15:14.379 --> 00:15:18.399 The world's powers, they threw everything they had at them, and they would throw more, 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:20.659 but the gospel never stopped growing. 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:25.879 And we must ask the question in face of all these facts, 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:28.419 who has the real power here? 00:15:31.579 --> 00:15:35.379 Where is real blessing to be found? 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:44.659 Have a look further on in the psalm, verses 4 to 6. 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:48.779 The Lord responds to this rebellion with a king. 00:15:50.459 --> 00:15:56.219 The Lord's response in verse 4, it really confirms the sheer kind of folly of this rebellion. 00:15:56.659 --> 00:15:59.579 He laughs and he speaks back. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:03.600 Firstly, as he laughs, he holds them in derision. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:06.079 He's not bothered by any of it. 00:16:06.419 --> 00:16:09.579 None of it is an inconvenience to him. 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:18.420 I mean, that's the reaction a parent might have at the protests of their young child. 00:16:19.280 --> 00:16:23.580 It really, really, really does not matter how much kicking and screaming occurs. 00:16:25.020 --> 00:16:26.780 Authority is not undermined. 00:16:27.940 --> 00:16:29.360 The child does not get their way. 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:37.460 And his speech, the Lord's speech in verse 5, has a terrifying effect. 00:16:37.460 --> 00:16:42.060 Now, I wonder what we'd expect this speech to consist of. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:44.540 Perhaps a threat or a warning. 00:16:46.680 --> 00:16:47.440 But no. 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:51.780 It's the proclamation of a coronation. 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:59.080 The heavenly Lord proclaims that he has an all-powerful king on earth, on Zion Hill. 00:17:00.920 --> 00:17:05.640 Now, knowing who this king is, is of immense importance. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:11.559 Because the kings and the rulers and the authorities of the world certainly look powerful. 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:20.400 Their claims for my loyalty and my service certainly seem to be substantiated by all the glamour and the power and the influence and the riches that they hold. 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:27.280 And it looks like blessing would be found in submission to them. 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:29.620 But no. 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:32.100 The Lord has established a king. 00:17:32.200 --> 00:17:38.680 The mere mention of whom causes fear to rise in the hearts of the rebellious authorities. 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:43.800 It seems like this is the guy we should be submitting to. 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:48.579 Well, who is this king? 00:17:49.399 --> 00:17:50.980 Established by the Lord himself. 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:55.879 Well, in the next verses, we hear this king speak. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:18:01.500 And the claims that he makes of himself are quite extraordinary. 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:04.619 Have a look at verses 7 to 9. 00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:07.740 The king speaks now. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:09.900 He says, I will tell of the decree. 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:13.279 And he proclaims two things about himself. 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:16.339 His identity and his job. 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:19.160 And firstly, his identity. 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:23.380 He's the anointed king whom God calls his son. 00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:31.279 Now, in the Old Testament, there are a few people who would fit this description in some way. 00:18:31.359 --> 00:18:34.539 Most notably, David and Solomon, the kings. 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:36.579 They would have been sons of God. 00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:44.220 And if Sam may have well been used for their coronations, David is attributed as its author in Acts. 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:54.639 However, it don't quite fit the description of this king as we read it in Psalm 2. 00:18:56.220 --> 00:19:06.539 Primarily, because it could not have been said of them that their rule was as vast and as grand as verse 8 suggests. 00:19:06.579 --> 00:19:12.199 Certainly, they had their problems when it came to the surrounding nations. 00:19:13.659 --> 00:19:20.059 David and Solomon's rule was not absolute and worldwide, as is described here. 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:31.299 And this left the people of God back then really longing for someone who would fit this title properly. 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:38.220 They know that this king is who they need to vindicate them against the rebellion of the nations. 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:41.419 They know he will come, but no one seems to fit the bill. 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:49.820 Until one day, Jesus rose from the waters at his baptism. 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:54.460 And the voice of the Lord from the heavens was audible for everyone, saying, 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:59.539 This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased. 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:02.380 A direct allusion to Psalm 2. 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:08.039 Jesus is this king. 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:12.039 That's what Peter and John knew. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:19.319 And his job is to bring the nations into line. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:25.019 He has come to bring judgment upon the nations who rebel. 00:20:25.639 --> 00:20:34.240 And quelling this rebellion is as easy for him as letting a pot fall and smash on the ground. 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:36.500 Piece of cake. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.000 Piece of cake. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:47.720 Now what other power, person, authority do you know that can make claims like this? 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:55.559 Governments, nations, conquerors, empires, they have all come and gone. 00:20:56.140 --> 00:21:03.559 Their rule never coming close to the extent and the size and power of this king's reign. 00:21:03.559 --> 00:21:13.379 All 195 countries, all 196,695,711 square miles of this earth. 00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:16.759 Every inch belongs to one person. 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:19.339 And that is Jesus. 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:29.099 Now we are in a much more privileged position in comparison to the Old Testament believers. 00:21:29.099 --> 00:21:33.459 We can be sure of who this king is. 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:38.159 Peter and John saw him and wrote about him. 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:45.240 We can read about him now and know him to be the one with all power over all the earth. 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:50.759 Both the physical world as we read of him stopping storms with his words. 00:21:51.139 --> 00:21:56.019 Both the spiritual world as we see him command legions of demons with only a word. 00:21:56.019 --> 00:22:00.059 The one with power over even death itself. 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:04.160 Everything, literally everything under his authority. 00:22:07.619 --> 00:22:17.139 Now can we begin to see now how Peter and John and their friends were beginning to have the fortitude 00:22:17.140 --> 00:22:22.820 and the encouragement to stand firm against the pressure and the opposition that they were faced with. 00:22:25.560 --> 00:22:28.100 They saw and they knew who this king was. 00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:33.560 They knew the king Jesus who died and rose from the grave. 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:42.220 And they knew that to bend the knee, to take seriously his call for repentance and submission was the only way to live. 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:43.899 There is no one else to serve. 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:45.720 There is no other power to obey. 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:50.220 Even themselves, their own hearts must be brought in line with this king's calling. 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:52.399 This king is incredible. 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:53.559 There is no one like him. 00:22:53.559 --> 00:23:04.799 Now, I understand that maybe some of us are perhaps still feeling a little pessimistic. 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:07.419 Yes, this is very impressive. 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:10.700 But I'm struggling now. 00:23:12.179 --> 00:23:18.299 Perhaps we feel a little bit like the Old Testament people of God would have felt as they sung this psalm. 00:23:18.399 --> 00:23:19.440 Where is this king? 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:25.140 The work policies I'm being asked to ascend to, they're pressing in. 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:27.759 The pressure from co-workers is mounting. 00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:33.160 My friends at school, they treat me with real contempt from time to time. 00:23:34.059 --> 00:23:35.279 I'm kicked out of group chats. 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:37.480 I'm not invited to events. 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:42.900 My lecturers at university, they treat me differently because I don't agree with them. 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:48.880 As the world rebels against the Lord and his king Jesus, I suffer. 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:52.500 So, King Jesus, if you're so powerful, do something. 00:23:56.600 --> 00:24:00.940 And if that is you, I know it's tough. 00:24:01.780 --> 00:24:06.720 Much wisdom is necessary as to how to navigate these things. 00:24:06.780 --> 00:24:09.240 And the Bible has more to say on these issues. 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:16.960 But the reaction for now and for this morning that Psalm 2 should be causing within us, hopefully already is, 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:20.900 is exemplified by the believers in Acts 4. 00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:25.920 And that is perseverance in joyful service. 00:24:27.660 --> 00:24:34.420 Born out of an assurance that this king that we serve is like no other. 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:42.980 Here's what the believers in Acts pray alongside Psalm 2. 00:24:43.080 --> 00:24:43.779 And it's surprising. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:47.340 It's not a call for the king to come and enact the judgment that he promises. 00:24:47.860 --> 00:24:49.000 But instead they pray, 00:24:49.700 --> 00:24:55.920 Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness. 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:59.759 In other words, give us what we need to keep speaking. 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:05.920 They trust the Lord, this king. 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:09.160 They're convinced of who he is, of his power. 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:14.160 And they know that he knows best in whatever he has predestined. 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:23.600 Peter would later write and explain that the Lord is not slow, as some understand slowness, 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:28.040 but is patient, longing that many more would bend the knee in repentance. 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:32.200 It is out of patience and kindness that this king has not enacted his judgment yet. 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.360 He is not a tyrant. 00:25:34.080 --> 00:25:37.440 He is a kind and loving king, but he is powerful. 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:44.380 And so, we must be realistic. 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:53.820 Psalm 2 isn't a cure for fear and evangelism and witnessing. 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:58.160 Psalm 2 provides me with the confidence and the fortitude that I need. 00:25:58.259 --> 00:26:00.960 That means that when the fear strikes, 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:05.559 as I am confronted with the rebellion of the world against King Jesus, 00:26:05.559 --> 00:26:09.339 the fear is not what decides what I do or what I don't do, 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:11.159 or what I say or what I don't say. 00:26:12.639 --> 00:26:16.559 Instead, it's my fear and my reverence and my worship of the king, 00:26:16.919 --> 00:26:18.099 of the whole world, 00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:21.799 that finally decides what I do or what I don't do. 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.200 It's true. 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:32.720 We often don't feel like we're on the side of the most powerful king the earth has ever seen. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:35.880 But we are. 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:40.019 This king's the real deal. 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:46.720 And we can trust that we will be vindicated when Jesus' judgment comes, 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:49.299 and it will come, and it will be swift. 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:56.000 And that brings us on to the last stanza of the psalm, verses 10 to 12. 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:57.680 How the world should respond. 00:26:57.920 --> 00:27:00.120 Submit and be blessed. 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:06.739 Where will you stand when King Jesus decides that this rebellion, 00:27:07.199 --> 00:27:09.799 the injustice, the sin involved in it all, 00:27:09.899 --> 00:27:12.379 it will not carry on any longer? 00:27:12.599 --> 00:27:13.359 Where will you stand? 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:20.779 Well, perhaps you're listening here this morning in person or online. 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.979 Maybe your friend has brought you along, 00:27:23.099 --> 00:27:25.259 or someone has taken over the TV at home, 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.459 and you're forced to watch this. 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:27.759 I hope it's been okay so far. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:30.160 Will you be wise? 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:37.799 You might not think that you're in a state of rebellion against God. 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:39.059 You're just getting on with your life. 00:27:41.859 --> 00:27:49.579 But what do you feel when his claim of ownership over you and your identity is proclaimed, 00:27:49.700 --> 00:27:51.759 as it has been just this morning? 00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:55.140 When you hear of this king, 00:27:55.879 --> 00:27:58.240 and you are told to bend the knee, 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.720 to serve him, 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:01.259 to kiss the son, 00:28:01.339 --> 00:28:01.940 not romantically, 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:03.119 but in submission, 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:05.740 or there will be consequences. 00:28:05.900 --> 00:28:06.500 What do you feel? 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.440 What's your reaction? 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:13.980 Well, I'm willing to bet the reaction is 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:18.339 the pit of your stomach churns a little bit, 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:19.779 and your fists clench, 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:21.640 and you think, 00:28:21.720 --> 00:28:22.680 no, why should I? 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:27.660 Well, here's a plea from this psalm, 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:29.360 of Peter, 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:30.039 of John, 00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:32.819 of us who do submit to this king. 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.360 Will you be wise? 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:39.539 Do not remain in that state, 00:28:39.699 --> 00:28:41.219 clenching your fists against Jesus. 00:28:41.339 --> 00:28:43.019 That is a dangerous place to be. 00:28:44.579 --> 00:28:45.159 Fear him, 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:49.559 and rejoice at the refuge that can be found in him. 00:28:49.699 --> 00:28:50.859 Serve him gladly, 00:28:51.079 --> 00:28:55.039 and know him to be the son of the good creator God, 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:58.779 who will and is establishing his kingdom. 00:28:58.899 --> 00:29:00.500 The believers in Acts, 00:29:00.899 --> 00:29:01.719 in the first century, 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:06.100 were absolutely convinced that Jesus was this king. 00:29:08.019 --> 00:29:08.980 What will you do? 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.059 Will you be wise? 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.799 At least, 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:14.299 might you look at him a little bit closer 00:29:14.299 --> 00:29:15.940 with a friend? 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:22.480 For those of us here this morning who are Christians, 00:29:23.120 --> 00:29:26.900 we have recognized our state of rebellion. 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:28.519 We repent of it, 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:30.960 and trust Jesus for forgiveness, 00:29:31.720 --> 00:29:33.059 well, 00:29:33.120 --> 00:29:33.880 take assurance. 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:37.880 You're serving the real and only true authority, 00:29:38.000 --> 00:29:39.720 the king of the whole world, 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:40.259 Jesus. 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:41.559 It's not easy, 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:44.900 but it certainly is the blessed place to be. 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.519 Just look, 00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:47.759 and think about this king for a second. 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:48.900 He's a son of God, 00:29:49.579 --> 00:29:51.319 who stooped low to serve sinners, 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:52.059 to heal the sick, 00:29:52.120 --> 00:29:53.640 to bring food to the hungry, 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:55.839 and break the powers of darkness and evil, 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:58.600 who died in the place of such people, 00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:00.819 averting the wrath of God, 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:02.939 and who is now resurrected and reigning, 00:30:03.439 --> 00:30:05.319 bound to come again to vindicate his people 00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:06.119 and end their pain, 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:07.480 their suffering and their tears, 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:10.819 who will bring righteous justice against rebellion 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:12.460 and rebels, 00:30:13.099 --> 00:30:13.960 who would have been us, 00:30:14.039 --> 00:30:16.399 were it not for his patience and grace 00:30:16.399 --> 00:30:17.720 already shown toward us? 00:30:17.859 --> 00:30:20.039 Who else is left in this world 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:20.980 to serve, 00:30:21.319 --> 00:30:21.819 to love, 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:22.559 to worship, 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:23.779 and to glorify? 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:25.180 No one else, 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:26.839 only King Jesus. 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.379 It's amazing 00:30:31.379 --> 00:30:33.779 that we former rebels 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:35.819 get to be on his side. 00:30:39.399 --> 00:30:39.920 So, 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.539 as we come to an end, 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:44.200 what did you do 00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:45.200 at the weekend? 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:48.259 Well, 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:51.420 perhaps before answering that question this week, 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:54.240 or as we arrive at this school gate, 00:30:54.340 --> 00:30:55.500 whenever schools come back, 00:30:55.600 --> 00:30:57.580 or the door of the classroom, 00:30:57.740 --> 00:30:58.840 or the entrance to the office, 00:30:59.200 --> 00:31:02.900 or the door of the family friend's house, 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:04.880 before we interact with anyone maybe, 00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:07.019 could we quickly pray, 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:08.420 Sam 2. 00:31:08.420 --> 00:31:08.980 Father, 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:14.160 whatever discomfort is before me, 00:31:14.240 --> 00:31:15.320 it does not affect 00:31:15.320 --> 00:31:16.500 the rule 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:17.380 and the power 00:31:17.380 --> 00:31:18.120 of your King. 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:20.680 I am in awe 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:23.300 of the glory of your Son, 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:23.920 King Jesus. 00:31:24.080 --> 00:31:24.940 Help me to appreciate 00:31:24.940 --> 00:31:26.560 how blessed I am under him, 00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:28.160 and help me to serve him 00:31:28.160 --> 00:31:29.740 above all else. 00:31:32.660 --> 00:31:33.539 Maybe that's a 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:35.240 short prayer we could say 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:37.000 before we talk to anyone. 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:40.519 And may we always remember 00:31:40.519 --> 00:31:40.900 that 00:31:40.900 --> 00:31:42.539 to be with King Jesus 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:44.920 truly is to be blessed. 00:31:45.460 --> 00:31:46.380 And would the Lord give us 00:31:46.380 --> 00:31:46.880 what we need 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:48.820 to keep on speaking. 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:50.779 Let me pray 00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:52.340 as we close. 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:55.920 Father, 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:56.820 we are in awe 00:31:56.820 --> 00:31:58.460 of your Son, 00:31:58.560 --> 00:31:58.800 Jesus, 00:31:58.900 --> 00:31:59.539 how gracious 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:00.920 and yet how powerful 00:32:00.920 --> 00:32:02.200 he is. 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:05.420 Please help us 00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:07.779 to serve him in joy 00:32:07.779 --> 00:32:09.259 and fear 00:32:09.259 --> 00:32:10.420 above all else. 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:11.859 Help us to keep 00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.879 speaking for him 00:32:12.879 --> 00:32:14.240 and about him. 00:32:16.039 --> 00:32:17.019 Give us wisdom 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:18.099 as to how to do this 00:32:18.099 --> 00:32:19.539 in our particular circumstances. 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:20.539 Give us boldness 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.460 by the Holy Spirit 00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:21.980 within us. 00:32:22.099 --> 00:32:22.480 Comfort 00:32:22.480 --> 00:32:24.299 and convince 00:32:24.299 --> 00:32:25.079 those of us 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:25.819 who are suffering 00:32:25.819 --> 00:32:26.680 as a consequence 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:27.859 of the world's rebellion. 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:30.519 Convince us afresh 00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:32.619 that we really are blessed 00:32:32.619 --> 00:32:33.440 to be alongside 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:35.259 the only true king 00:32:35.259 --> 00:32:36.059 of this world. 00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:39.180 In Jesus' mighty name 00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:40.259 we pray. 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:41.119 Amen. 00:32:42.779 --> 00:32:43.299 Amen. 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:43.599 Well, 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.559 we're going to hear 00:32:44.559 --> 00:32:47.259 a song sung to us now 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:48.079 and as a response 00:32:48.079 --> 00:32:48.700 of our hearts 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:50.859 let's sing it 00:32:50.859 --> 00:32:53.140 in our hearts, 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:54.220 not out loud, 00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:55.660 in adoration 00:32:55.660 --> 00:32:57.619 of our glorious King. 00:32:58.579 --> 00:32:59.240 Let's sit 00:32:59.240 --> 00:32:59.740 and listen 00:32:59.740 --> 00:33:00.700 to this song. 00:33:00.700 --> 00:33:00.740 Amen. 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.740 Amen. 00:33:15.620 --> 00:33:19.819 Who has held 00:33:19.819 --> 00:33:21.480 the oceans 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:23.579 in his hands? 00:33:23.579 --> 00:33:30.279 Who has numbered every grain of sand? 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:37.419 Kings and nations tremble at His voice. 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:44.179 All creation rises to rejoice. 00:33:44.180 --> 00:33:53.840 Behold our God, seated on His throne. 00:33:54.920 --> 00:33:58.880 Come, let us adore Him. 00:33:59.580 --> 00:34:07.019 Behold our King, nothing can compare. 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:14.019 Come, let us adore Him. 00:34:14.179 --> 00:34:34.339 Who has given counsel to the Lord? 00:34:34.339 --> 00:34:41.199 Who can question any of His words? 00:34:41.939 --> 00:34:47.759 Who can teach the one who knows all things? 00:34:48.399 --> 00:34:54.939 Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds? 00:34:54.940 --> 00:35:04.500 Behold our God, seated on His throne. 00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:09.679 Come, let us adore Him. 00:35:09.679 --> 00:35:18.119 Behold our King, nothing can compare. 00:35:18.119 --> 00:35:24.679 Come, let us adore Him. 00:35:24.679 --> 00:35:49.599 Who has felt the nails upon His hands, bearing all the guilt of sinful man? 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:56.339 God eternal, humble to the grave. 00:35:56.340 --> 00:36:03.340 Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign. 00:36:04.940 --> 00:36:12.400 Behold our God, seated on His throne. 00:36:12.400 --> 00:36:13.400 Come, let us adore Him. 00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:17.139 Come, let us adore Him. 00:36:17.139 --> 00:36:25.400 Behold our King, nothing can compare. 00:36:25.400 --> 00:36:29.400 Come, let us adore Him. 00:36:29.400 --> 00:36:30.400 Come, let us adore Him. 00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:34.400 Behold our King, nothing can compare. 00:36:34.400 --> 00:36:36.400 Come, let us adore Him. 00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:37.400 Come, let us adore Him. 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:43.400 Come, let us adore Him. 00:36:43.400 --> 00:36:50.400 Behold our King, nothing can compare. 00:36:50.400 --> 00:37:04.400 Come, let us adore Him. 00:37:04.400 --> 00:37:10.000 Well, as we stand, let's say one final prayer together. 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:10.800 Let me lead us. 00:37:14.800 --> 00:37:17.320 Now therefore, O kings, be wise. 00:37:17.480 --> 00:37:19.559 Be warned, O rulers of the air. 00:37:20.460 --> 00:37:24.639 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. 00:37:24.840 --> 00:37:28.579 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in the way. 00:37:28.579 --> 00:37:35.579 For His wrath is quickly kindled, but blessed are all who take refuge in Him. 00:37:35.579 --> 00:37:44.579 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 00:37:44.579 --> 00:37:45.579 Amen. 00:37:58.579 --> 00:38:02.579 So welcome, please. 00:38:02.579 --> 00:38:32.559 Thank you. 00:38:32.579 --> 00:39:02.559 Thank you.