The Psalm Of The King

Verse 12a issues one final call to surrender: “Kiss the Son.” This is not a kiss of affection. It is a kiss of allegiance. It is not a romantic kiss. It is a kiss of humble submission and total surrender. When a vanquished ruler surrendered to a conquering monarch, he would vow his allegiance with a kiss on the cheek, hand, or feet. Note the urgency of this call to surrender: “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.” We typically view Christ as meek and lowly. Too kind to confront sin. To forbearing to get angry. Too loving to bring judgment. But this is a shortsighted view of Christ. The psalmist had a full-orbed view of Christ. He recognized Christ as the Lord of all who will tolerate no rivals. So he warns those who have not submitted to Christ to kiss the Son before it is too late.

B. THE ASSURANCE FOR THOSE WHO SUBMIT TO CHRIST.

Psalm 1 begins with a statement of divine blessing: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked.” Psalm 2 ends with a statement of blessing: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” A refuge is a hiding place, a strong tower, or a place of security. It was an ancient panic room. This is a stark reminder that there will come a time when you need a place of refuge. That’s the bad news. The good news is that God is unfailing refuge for those who trust in him. And those who take refuge in him are blessed. This does not mean that if God is your refuge all of your troubles will magically come to an end. There will still be battles to fight. But while the enemy is attacking and the battle is raging and the, God will be with you. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

I TRUST IN GOD WHEREVER I MAY BE,

UPON THE LAND OR ON THE ROLLING SEA,

FOR, COME WHAT MAY, FROM DAY TO DAY,

MY HEAVENLY FATHER WATCHES OVER ME.