Kiss the Son and Take Refuge in Him

Apr 7

Apr 7 Kiss the Son and Take Refuge in Him

Psalms Devos_Studies, God's Word, Personal Faith, Trust

What Is Going On?!

Looking at present world situations, it's easy to wonder, "What is going on?!"

And yet, some basic knowledge of world history and cultural anthropology reveals such turmoil has existed for centuries, even millenniums.

Access to information and events across the world makes a good part of the world's population more aware of global events. Is it increasing? It's hard to say when compared to what took place in former times since we don’t know everything that happened in past centuries, nor all the details of world history.

One thing is known. Rulers of people, nations, and empires have sought supreme rule over people and geography, even world domination, since ancient times.

Sadly, people have been slaughtered and displaced throughout history, though it may seem worse now than ever because of our access to information worldwide.

It can still make you wonder, "Is there some deeper cause or reason to it all?"

Scripture

Why do the nations gather together? Why do their people devise useless plots?

Kings take their stands.

Rulers make plans together against the Lord and against his Messiah by saying,

“Let’s break apart their chains and shake off their ropes.” [vss 1-3]

The one enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord makes fun of them.

Then he speaks to them in his anger.

In his burning anger he terrifies them by saying,

“I have installed my own king on Zion, my holy mountain.” [vss 4-6]

I will announce the Lord’s decree.

He said to me: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.

Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance and the ends of the earth as your own possession.

You will break them with an iron scepter.

You will smash them to pieces like pottery.” [vss 7-9]

Now, you kings, act wisely. Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, or he will become angry

and you will die on your way because his anger will burst into flames.

Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in him. [vss 10-12]

(Psalm 1:1-12 GW) [Context– Psalm 2 GW|NKJV]

Reflections and Insights

Ultimately, all human rebellion is aimed at God.

Most kings and rulers may not think that, especially those who claim to be atheists, but it's true.

In ancient days, many emperors saw themselves as gods, especially the Caesars of Rome.

One of the greatest of the ancient emperors, Nebuchadnezzar, had his own humbling encounter with God's sovereign rule of the world (see Daniel 4 GW|NKJV).

This psalm is considered a Messianic psalm because of verses 7-9. This is confirmed in the books of Acts (Acts 13:33 ESV) and Hebrews (Hebrews 1:5; 5:5 ESV).

All of humanity's rebellion and clamoring for power will come to nothing and be subdued.

But in the midst of tyranny and terror on earth, one promise holds true—

Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in him [the Lord].

When we choose to trust in God as our primary source of hope and confidence, we are assured of His protection, provision, and presence with us. We are blessed—internal happiness based on our relationship with God rather than our circumstances.

What does the psalmist mean by, “Kiss the Son”? This “kiss” would be an act of submission and affection—a sign of acknowledging the Lord’s sovereignty and power. To not “kiss the Son would be an act of defiance and rebellion.

As always, God gives us the choice to surrender our life to Him and trust in Him willingly or in subjection to Him as the Sovereign over all as He is.

I choose to “kiss the Son” in surrender and with affection as I take refuge in Him above all else.

Digging deeper to Make it personal...

Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions

What is the question at the beginning of this psalm? What does it indicate or reveal?
What is God's response towards the nations, kings, and rulers? What does He say to them?
What decree does the Lord give and what is announced in this decree? Who is spoken of?
What final warning is given to the kings and rulers? What assurance or promise is given?
Do present concerns about terrorism and global unrest worry you?
Are you able to see beyond what happens near you, nationally and globally through the perspective of God's sovereignty?
Looking at current events and conditions, are you prompted to trust the Lord more, or less?
Have you experienced the assurance and blessing of a personal relationship with God?
If so, how has this helped change your perspective on world events?