Jesus Is King

Last week in our reading plan we read Psalm 2:7-12.  Psalm 2 is what some call an “Enthronement Psalm.” That is the Lord’s anointed King and his reign is the subject of the Psalm.  The Lord’s King will subdue and rule over all the earth (v. 8). Those who serve (v. 11), worship (v. 12), and trust (v. 12) the King will be blessed. That is they will enjoy the life of peace under the rule of God’s gracious King. However, the key to truly understanding this psalm is Jesus.

Jesus’s apostles and first followers read the Bible looking to Jesus (Acts 13:33), so when we read the Bible, Old and New Testaments, we should read it the same way. We must interpret and apply in light of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our hermeneutical lens. Why did the first Christians and why must we read this way today? Because Jesus said so (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:27)! Psalm 2 then is about Jesus.

Jesus is the true King whose kingdom will have no end.

Jesus is the true King whose kingdom will have no end. His peaceful reign has no expiration date. His enemies, sin and death, have suffered a crippling blow. Jesus took to the cross. He was beaten, pierced, and forsaken on a cursed tree in the place of cursed sinners. On the third day he emerged from the grave taunting death: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” Death has no answer. Death is dead. The eternal age of peace has begun and is coming still. So what now?

Because Jesus is King, Psalm 2 offers three encouragements. First, we can live for him (v. 11). Our King freed us from sin and death. Now with renewed hearts we can live our days unto his glory. Second, we can enjoy him (v. 12). The Spirit of Christ lives in us pouring Christ’s love into our hearts. Finally, we can trust him (v. 12). His death and resurrection proves that he is trustworthy.