Anticipating the Messiah: Finding Refuge in Christ
Summary
As we gather in this season of anticipation, we reflect on the power of music and its role in shaping our hearts and minds, especially during Christmas. Music has a unique ability to embed truths deep within us, and this is particularly evident in the songs of the Psalms, which have been sung by God's people for thousands of years. These songs not only proclaim God's goodness but also build anticipation for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This month, we embark on a journey through the Psalms to experience Christmas as the people of God did, anticipating the arrival of the Messiah.
Psalm 2, our focus today, is a song that reflects the world's rejection of God and His anointed one, the Messiah. It begins with a question that resonates even today: Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain? This question highlights the world's ongoing rebellion against God, a rebellion that is evident in various forms throughout history and continues in our present day. Despite this rebellion, the Psalm assures us of God's sovereignty. He who sits in the heavens laughs, for nothing can thwart His plans. God has set His King on Zion, and His purposes will stand.
The Psalm also calls for a response. It invites the rulers and people of the earth to be wise, to serve the Lord with fear, and to rejoice with trembling. This is a call to recognize God's authority and to submit to His rule. The Psalm concludes with a promise: Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. True happiness and joy are found in seeking refuge in Jesus Christ, the Son. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that the baby born in Bethlehem is the fulfillment of God's promise, the King who reigns over all.
This season, let us reflect on the world's rejection of God and our own need for repentance. Let us find refuge in Jesus, rejoicing in the salvation He offers. As we take communion, we remember His sacrifice and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Him. May this Christmas be a time of true joy and freedom as we take refuge in the Son.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Music in Faith: Music has a profound ability to embed spiritual truths in our hearts, shaping our understanding and anticipation of God's promises. The Psalms, as songs of God's people, have been instrumental in building anticipation for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They remind us of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. [14:33]
2. The World's Rebellion Against God: Psalm 2 highlights the ongoing rebellion of the world against God and His anointed one. Despite this rebellion, God's sovereignty remains unchallenged. He laughs at the futile attempts to overthrow His plans, reminding us that His purposes will stand. This calls us to trust in His sovereignty and find peace in His unchanging nature. [19:24]
3. The Call to Wisdom and Submission: The Psalm invites us to be wise, to serve the Lord with fear, and to rejoice with trembling. This is a call to recognize God's authority and submit to His rule. True wisdom is not just knowledge but is acted out in obedience to God, leading to joy and fulfillment. [36:00]
4. Finding Refuge in the Son: True happiness and joy are found in taking refuge in Jesus Christ, the Son. The Psalm promises blessing to those who seek refuge in Him, highlighting the security and peace that come from trusting in His salvation. This is a reminder that our ultimate refuge is in Christ, who took on the wrath we deserved. [40:51]
5. The Joy of Anticipation and Fulfillment: As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Jesus. The anticipation of the Messiah, sung in the Psalms, finds its fulfillment in Christ. This season, let us rejoice in the salvation He offers and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Him. [52:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[14:33] - The Power of Music in Faith
[19:24] - The World's Rebellion Against God
[20:29] - The Desire for Freedom
[21:21] - True Freedom in Submission
[21:59] - The Story of Two Brothers
[23:23] - Rage Against God
[24:24] - The Role of Intelligentsia
[25:31] - The Rejection of God's Authority
[26:31] - Christmas Reflection
[27:57] - The World's Rejection of God
[28:54] - God's Sovereignty and Laughter
[29:45] - The Terrifying Truth
[30:30] - Proclaiming God's Sovereignty
[31:50] - The Decree of God
[32:48] - The Promise of the Messiah
[33:53] - The Fulfillment in Jesus
[34:58] - The Eternal Reign of Christ
[36:00] - The Call to Wisdom and Submission
[37:08] - Rejoicing in Submission
[38:04] - The Invitation to Adore
[38:47] - The Wrath and Refuge
[40:13] - God's Anger and Our Sin
[40:51] - Finding Refuge in the Son
[41:38] - The True Source of Happiness
[42:37] - The Hope Against Wrath
[43:22] - The Power of Songs
[44:54] - The Invitation to Repentance
[45:43] - Rejoicing in Refuge
[46:38] - The Promise of Cleansing
[50:46] - Communion and Reflection
[51:29] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
[52:47] - The Joy of Anticipation and Fulfillment
[53:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
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Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Music in Faith
Music has a profound ability to shape our spiritual journey, embedding truths deep within our hearts. The Psalms, as songs of God's people, have been instrumental in building anticipation for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These ancient songs remind us of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. As we sing and listen to music, especially during the Christmas season, we are invited to reflect on the truths they convey and how they prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Music is not just an art form but a spiritual tool that can deepen our understanding and anticipation of God's work in our lives. [14:33]
Psalm 96:1-3 (ESV): "Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
Reflection: Think of a song that has deeply impacted your faith journey. How can you use music this week to draw closer to God and reflect on His promises?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereignty Amidst Rebellion
Psalm 2 highlights the ongoing rebellion of the world against God and His anointed one. Despite this rebellion, God's sovereignty remains unchallenged. He laughs at the futile attempts to overthrow His plans, reminding us that His purposes will stand. This calls us to trust in His sovereignty and find peace in His unchanging nature. In a world that often seems chaotic and resistant to God's authority, we are reminded that God is in control, and His plans will ultimately prevail. [19:24]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively surrender these areas to Him this week?
Day 3: Embracing Wisdom and Submission to God
The Psalm invites us to be wise, to serve the Lord with fear, and to rejoice with trembling. This is a call to recognize God's authority and submit to His rule. True wisdom is not just knowledge but is acted out in obedience to God, leading to joy and fulfillment. As we navigate our daily lives, we are encouraged to seek wisdom that aligns with God's will and to live in a way that honors Him. This wisdom leads to a life of joy and fulfillment, rooted in the fear and reverence of the Lord. [36:00]
Proverbs 9:10-11 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's wisdom and submit to His authority? How can you take a step towards that submission today?
Day 4: Finding Refuge and Joy in Jesus
True happiness and joy are found in taking refuge in Jesus Christ, the Son. The Psalm promises blessing to those who seek refuge in Him, highlighting the security and peace that come from trusting in His salvation. This is a reminder that our ultimate refuge is in Christ, who took on the wrath we deserved. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Jesus, our Savior and King. [40:51]
Psalm 34:8 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek refuge in Jesus this week, especially in moments of stress or uncertainty? What practical steps can you take to find joy in His presence?
Day 5: Rejoicing in the Fulfillment of God's Promises
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Jesus. The anticipation of the Messiah, sung in the Psalms, finds its fulfillment in Christ. This season, let us rejoice in the salvation He offers and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Him. The joy of anticipation and fulfillment is a central theme of the Christmas story, inviting us to reflect on the hope and joy that come from knowing Christ. [52:47]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: How can you celebrate the fulfillment of God's promises in your life this Christmas season? What are some ways you can share this joy and hope with others around you?
Quotes
"Music has a powerful way of sowing truth in our hearts and our lives, and music has a powerful role here at Christmas. Now, while the rest of my family is much more musically talented than I am, I love that music doesn't require you to be talented to appreciate it." [00:04:29] (15 seconds)
"Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain? It's almost as if the psalmist and the singers of the day are looking at the world around them and saying, what in the world has gone wrong? Why does the world reject God and the things of God?" [00:18:38] (13 seconds)
"The psalmist goes on to tell us more, and you can imagine them singing this next part. The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." [00:20:29] (15 seconds)
"True freedom, as man has found over and over again, is not in throwing off God, but in dying to self. The greatest slave master all of us have is the sin that lives in us." [00:21:36] (11 seconds)
"Church, what an encouragement for us. As we see a world raging against God, seeking to reject Him or rebel against Him, we can rest in the fact that nothing changes the plan, the sovereign plan and good work of God." [00:30:30] (13 seconds)
"Jesus will come one day with a rod of iron and break the world into pieces that's a rebellion against Him. No king or kingdom in this world will last. The king who sits on the throne in heaven has established the reign of His Son forever over all." [00:35:15] (15 seconds)
"Now therefore, in light of what we've just declared about God's purposes and His reign and His rule and this promise of the Messiah, the Messiah to come, in light of all that, kings and leaders who lead the people, be wise. Hear what we sing. Hear what we tell you today and respond." [00:36:19] (20 seconds)
"Blessed are those are all who take refuge in Him. Blessed here is the word that Psalm 1:1 opens the entire psalter with. It's this beautiful Hebrew word that's so much more than blessed. It's true happiness. It's true delight." [00:40:34] (16 seconds)
"The singers of the Psalm invite the people to pray. The people of the nations, all of them, every single person, the hope of the world to lay down their rage and rebellion, to repent of what they've done and to take refuge in the promised Messiah." [00:42:23] (14 seconds)
"Church, this is the joy we find at Christmas that God promised 3,000 years ago he would send him a sign in which we could find refuge, in which we could lay down our arms and trust in him and find true freedom and true joy." [00:46:55] (15 seconds)
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