One of the qualities of the Bible that speak to its undeniable authenticity is the prophecies. While there are hundreds of history books on every subject imaginable, this Book is resplendent with examples of prophetic words predicting future events that have been fulfilled with pin-point accuracy. Hundreds of prophecies throughout the Bible have already been fulfilled, as evidenced by Jesus statement in Matthew 5:17-18, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth pass away, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until its purpose is fulfilled.” And we must not minimize the last part of that statement. “Until heaven and earth pass away…until its purpose is fulfilled” tells us that some prophecies have not yet been fulfilled, and it also tells us that some could be repeated.
I have written a few times before about the crazy world in which we live, and have unabashedly laid it at the feet of a culture that is both morally and spiritually bankrupt. How did we get to this place so quickly? Even as a child and into my twenties, boundaries of decency still existed. But today, what used to be revered and held as sacred is now mocked, ridiculed and vilified. What used to be tasteless, shameful, or down-right disgusting is now center stage and basking in the spotlight! And that is not an innocuous statement! Unfortunately it includes life and death matters. So how did this happen? Is it because as a culture we have been both numbed-down and dumbed-down by “political correctness?” Humm?
I now want to turn your attention to Psalm 2, written about a thousand years before the birth of Christ. I heard Pastor Ron Tucker from Grace Church St. Louis preach on this subject yesterday and it inspired me to share this with you today. The God of Israel spoke through David and gave a very clear picture of coming events. As you read this Psalm, ask yourself if the parameters outlined for the coming events are as evident in the world today as when David received this prophecy. The famous English preacher, Charles Spurgeon refers to this Psalm as a Drama in four acts.
1.Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste their time with futile plans?
2.The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the
Lord and against his anointed one.
3.“Let us break Their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from this slavery”.
Act 1. Vs.1-3 The kings and rulers of the earth defy God. They counsel together against him and against His anointed one (Messiah, Christ). “Let us break Their chains (God’s Word) in pieces and free ourselves from this slavery.” His truth is too confining…too contrary to the way we want to live. We need to be free of these rules so we can set our own standards of morality. After all…we are self-sufficient: we can be our own god(s).
4. But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
5.Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury.
6. For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in
Jerusalem, my holy city.”
Act 2. Vs. 4-6 The Lord responds. He laughs at their arrogance and sets himself against their plans. They experience his terrifying wrath and fury. The Lord has already placed his anointed one (“my chosen king”) on the thrown of his New Jerusalem (Hebrew: Zion, my holy mountain). Jesus will return in triumph.
7. The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.
Today I have become your Father.
8. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the
earth as your possession.
9. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.”
Act 3. Vs. 7-9 Jesus prays in agreement with the Lord’s decree. Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, has been given authority over all of his Kingdom on Earth. He will destroy all enemies and will reign forever!
10. Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned you rulers of the earth!
11. Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12. Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed
in the midst of your pursuits – for his anger can flare up in and instant.
But what joy for all who find protection in Him.
Act 4. Vs, 10-12 David prophesies (warns). He warns the rulers of the world to act wisely; to serve the Lord with reverent fear. He is very clear about the penalty for rejecting the anointed one, Jesus: “you will be destroyed in the midst of your pursuits!” But God shows his love and mercy until the very end: “But what joy for all who find protection in Him.”
The message of this Psalm is crystal clear. When rulers and nations turn against God and reject his Word and his only begotten Son, “you will be destroyed in the midst of your pursuits.” Just look at the results of a concerted effort to remove God and his Word from our culture and the new morality that is becoming the norm. Or look at the assault on Christianity world-wide and the hatred and Evil that is replacing the message of love and Goodness.
God has spoken. It will happen, and history has shown that to be true. Throughout the Bible when people or nations were in line with God’s will, they were blessed. When they were out of line with his will, they experienced the wrath of God. This Psalm is as much of a message to our world today as when it was written.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are his body. Let us pray in His name for revelation of his truth, not only in our country but throughout the world. And let us also ask for wisdom, courage and strength to carry the Gospel of Grace to unbelievers we know so they too can experience His love, mercy and grace. Matthew 24:35 tells us: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will last forever.” And Hebrews 13:8 tells us: “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” A-men!
My question for you is…Have you experienced His love, mercy and grace? Have you shared that blessing?
Feel free to respond to this message, and please share it with other social media outlets. May God Bless Ya…
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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