Well, we're spending a year in the Psalms--what a wonderful year of Bible study this is going to be--and we're looking at ways to understand the content of the Psalms. There's a fifth thing that I think may be the most important thing to understand about the Psalms: the Psalms give us a portrait of Jesus.
You could argue that the Psalms are one big finger pointing to the person and work of the Messiah--the Savior, the Lamb, the Lord Jesus. People talk about the Messianic Psalms, and there's a way in which every Psalm is Messianic; every Psalm has references to the central character of the redemptive narrative--Jesus. The Bible is the biography of Jesus, so it would make sense that in the center of the Bible is this incredible portrait of Jesus.
There is so much revealed about Jesus in the Psalms: his character, his mission, his suffering, that he is the promised hope of the people of God. No matter what generation of the people of God, Jesus is the promised hope. The Psalms points to his resurrection and his ultimate reign. Jesus as Savior, Jesus as the Lamb, Jesus as the promised hope, Jesus as the risen, ascended King.
An example is very early in the Psalms. I think there's a reason why it's early in the Psalms, because it's setting us up for what the Psalms is about. It's Psalm 2; it's entitled "The Reign of the Lord's Anointed." And it ends this way:
I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's [wheel] vessel."
(Psalm 2: 7-9, ESV)
"Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your heritage...You are my Son; today I've begotten you." Who could these words be about but Jesus? Remember when Jesus was baptized by John, the voice from the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!" This is the begotten Son. Who is the One that reigns over the nations? Well, that statement is fulfilled in Ephesians 1 that says that he rules far above all principalities and dominions and power, and he rules over everything for the sake of his body, the church.
The Psalms begins by pointing to Jesus, as the beloved Son of the Father. And the Father gives him the nations and says, "I've appointed you to reign as King of kings forever."
What Psalm 2 tells us to do is as we're reading the Psalms, look for Jesus in the Psalms. He's the hero of the story of the Psalms.
If you would ask me, "Okay, Paul, you've studied the Psalms, what is the hope that the Psalms offer to us?" I would say very quickly: the hope of the Psalms is Jesus. He's the hero, he's the hope! When you read the Psalms, look for Jesus!
Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
1. In what ways have the kings and rulers of this world set themselves against the Lord? How are those who have been granted temporary power by God defying God and using that God-given power to scorn his law, holiness, and created order? When those with authority do this and it impacts your daily life or threatens your comfort, how do you react? Are you lashing out in fear and defensiveness, or are you resting in the ultimate authority and eternal reign of God? What does Psalm 2 teach us about how God reacts when worldly leaders deride his rule?
2. What power or domain of authority, however small, have you been entrusted with by God? How can you grow in wisdom and serve the Lord with fear and trembling in this area? Be specific. How can you better represent Jesus in your role of authority? How have you abused or misused the influence that you have been entrusted with? Share your shortcomings and ask others for accountability and wisdom and help.
Conversation Prompts to Use with Children
For Younger Children: Who is in charge in your life? Who do you need to obey? Who are some people who set the rules that you must follow? What are some rules that you need to follow? What happens if you do not follow these rules? Is it easy to follow the rules or hard? Did you know that God is in charge over the people who are in charge of you? Did you know that God makes rules for the people who make your rules? What do you think happens if people break God's rules?
For Older Children: Who are the authority figures in your life? Which do you like, and why? What is it about the way they exercise power that is appealing? Who do you dislike, and why? How have they misused or abused the power that they have? What coaches, teachers, or peers in positions of leadership love their power too much and love reminding you that they are in charge? Do you live in fear of those in leadership? Do you compromise doing what you know God says is right because of what those in power will say or do to you? In what ways are your struggles with these authority figures primarily your problem, and not theirs? In other words, even if the way they exercise control is imperfect, do you dislike them because you first and foremost dislike submitting to authority? How are you struggling with the authority of God in your life today?
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