2005-01-23 - Rebellion

Psalm 2, Part 2

First, let's look at the context of the passage, then the text - and last, we will see that God's call is to let Him be in charge of our lives. His command for us is to get out the gospel to those who need the Lord's authority in theirs.

As we saw last time, the first two psalms represent an introduction to the entire book of Psalms. They follow the pattern of the Old Testament, focusing on the Law and the Prophets. Psalm 1 focused on Law, contrasting the righteous individual with the unrighteous one. This second psalm deals with the prophetic aspect of scripture, giving a glimpse into the ministry of Messiah.

The primary focus here is on the unrighteous, because they are rebelling against the Lord and His anointed, the Messiah--Jesus. The psalm recounts the final victory which will occur with the millennial rule of Messiah. The battle between unrighteousness and God was joined from the moment Satan tempted Eve to rebel against God. Later he tried to destroy the Hebrew people, thus preventing the coming of Messiah.

Herod continued the struggle, when he tried to find Jesus and have Him put to death. The battle will only be terminated with the final judgment, after the reign of Messiah over the Earth. Only then will all be forced to recognize that God who is in charge.

The Psalm is broken down into sections reflecting the moves between Earth and Heaven. The late Dr. McGee pictured it as a television program with a camera in each location, that switches the focus back and forth. This psalm has four strophes, each broken down into three verses. The first and fourth focus on conditions on Earth, and the second and third deal with the response in Heaven. ²

Mankind is in rebellion against God. Humanity is referred to as the nations, though a possibly a better understanding would be the gentiles (goyim). This suggests the rebellion is culminated just prior to the millennial age, when the nation Israel will have returned to God and so is no longer included in the action. As we move through the three verses, it becomes evident that different kinds of people are included, from the common man to those who are in positions of authority. Rebellion against God is the bane of the human race.

Notice the delusion of mankind. People think they can remove themselves from the authority of God. It is the same delusion, the fallacious idea that they can choose for themselves whatever is right or wrong, that first led to the fall.

"You will not surely die,'"the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'" (Genesis 3:4-5).

² McGee, J. Vernon, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1982, Vol. 2, pg. 668

To be continued.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

pastor@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org