A Warning To The Wise

     “Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2:10-12

     When you think of the Christ, what comes to mind? Most followers of Christ think of His love and compassion, His sinless life and example, His great sacrifice for the sins of the world. Why wouldn’t Christians bring these things to mind upon hearing the wonderful name of the Savior? These characteristics of His provided the foundation for His actions and for our hope. How appropriately the Baptizer spoke of Him in John 1:29 when he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!”

     “The Lamb of God.” What a tremendous image as one considers the types and figures of the Passover lamb meeting their fullest meaning in the Person of the Christ! Of course, the “Lamb of God” is certainly not the only designation for the Christ to be found in Scripture. Another designation, found in Revelation 5:5, is “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” That image depicts the Son as powerful and conquering. It is that image of the Son described for us in Psalm 2.

     The Jesus of great might and strength, a powerful conqueror of all those who oppose Him, is frankly a Jesus the vast majority of us are not as comfortable with. While we thrill to speak of His love and compassion, we often find ourselves less inclined to speak of His justice and wrath. Generally speaking this Jesus is not received nearly so well by the masses and can cost a teacher a willing crowd in short order should this Jesus become too demanding and unyielding. “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” isn’t as soft on the ears as is “the Lamb of God.” He is the same Person, however. To accept one is necessarily to accept the other. To reject one is necessarily to reject the other. 

     The only escape from the conquering and vengeful Son is refuge in Him. For those who reject Him, vengeance (2 Thessalonians 1:5-9). For those who accept Him, eternal life (Matthew 11:28-30). So, which Son do you intend to meet?