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Lent Day 29


Scripture Reading

Psalm 2, Mark 1:11


Psalm 2 is what scholars call a messianic psalm and a royal or kingly psalm. It is royal or kingly because it describes the reign of the Anointed One of the Lord. The psalm depicts a rather mighty, vengeful ruler who has no mercy upon those who oppose the Lord. One cannot read Psalm 2 without realizing the power, majesty, and terror that the Lord and his Anointed One evoke in the world. The psalm is written so that the reader gets a big view of God as the ruler of the universe. If we are to understand part of the grandness of God then we must affirm the kingly depiction of the Lord and his Anointed One. 


Psalm 2 is also a messianic psalm, which means that it refers to the messiah. Psalm 2 has been interpreted throughout the history of the church as a Psalm that describes the Messiah and his actions as he rules from on high. Messiah means "anointed one," and as we see in verse 2, the Anointed One is counted as one who rules with Yahweh, the Lord. This messianic psalm looks forward to the coming of the Son of God. Jesus is the subject of these verses because he is the Messiah. Jesus came to "proclaim the decree of the Lord." Jesus brought with him the message of God's judgment on sin and God's mercy on sinners. 


Jesus was the fulfillment of all of Israel's hopes, yet so many of them failed to recognize him for who he was. When he was baptized, Mark records a voice from heaven quoting Psalm 2. It was at his baptism that Jesus inaugurated his earthly ministry and his reign as the Anointed One of Yahweh. What was said to Jesus at his baptism is proof of his messiahship. He has fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 2 and brought about the completion of the promise of God to David. 


Look again at verse 12 of Psalm 2. In it we see the directive given and the blessing that follows when one is obedient to what God has called us to do. We are told to kiss the son, an act of honor and worship to kings of ancient days. "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Jesus as the Messiah is our refuge, a place we can go to in times of trouble and distress. He provides safety and security, a refuge. Jesus, the Messiah, the King of all Kings is our refuge in the good and bad times of life. 


Prayer: Yahweh, thank you for the Messiah. I praise you for crowning him as your King who provides for his people. I pray that I will live a life worthy of your name. Amen.

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