He has a true man’s heart, and holds a great purpose in it.”
–Ralph Connor (The Sky Pilot)
“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
–Psalm 16:8 (KJV)
———————–
Take a good look at the last few verses of Psalm 2. These verses show a side of God that is not often preached about anymore. It is a side of God that is tough and uncompromising. It is important to realize that God does not compromise. Sin cost His Son’s life; however, sin also brought Him joy that mankind could now be redeemed.
“I will declare the LORD’s decree: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. Ask
of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; You will shatter them like pottery.'” (2:7-9, HCSB)
“You are My son” refers to three people in Scripture. All three are vital to God’s plan and to us. The first, of course, is His only begotten Son–Jesus. These verses are prophesies of Christ, especially in the last days and going into the Millennial Reign. The second is David, and the third is me/you/us–those who have accepted Jesus Christ.
“So now, kings, be wise; receive instructions, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with reverential awe, and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son, or He will be angry, and you will perish in your rebellion, for His anger may ignite at any moment. All those who take refuge in Him are happy.” (2:10-12, HCSB)
This is the day of salvation, for individuals as well as nations. Very simply stated, those that oppose God will be broken. Instead of wisdom and seeking the Lord, it seems that many are moving farther and farther away, especially those with influence in leadership. Look at the words, “His anger may ignite at any moment.” The trumpet may sound at any time, then comes the judgment upon the earth.
Let’s take one more look at verse 11. “Serve the LORD with reverential awe, and rejoice with trembling.” This is a good definition of how we should worship. Remember, most of the time worship is reflected in Scripture as service. We serve a God whose anger could ignite at any moment. Do we think of that when there is hopping up and down in a service? Not much reverence and awe there. In fact, very little worship is done today with trembling. Ponder the words of Paul, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12, HCSB) The Amplified says it very clear:
“work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).”
In other words, learn how to worship according to Scripture; learn who He is so you can worship properly.
“Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To his feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like me his praise shall sing?
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!”
–Henry F. Lyte