DAY 1: Psalm 2-the true king
REFLECTION
Psalm 2 confronts the restless human desire to live without God. Our world is dangerous, the nations rage, and people rebel against God’s rule. God laughs from heaven (v.4), reflecting his derision at the world's attempt to be in control.
The Father responds not with alarm but with confidence. Psalm 2 teaches us that the Anointed King described in verse 2 is Jesus Christ. He is of the line of David (his greatest Son) who is declared a victorious king at his resurrection and ascension.
The Son asks his Father for the nations as his inheritance (v.8). Through him, all who are in Christ and decide to follow him will be saved. They will come from every tribe and nation.
Paradoxically, safety and blessing are found in surrendering our autonomy to the kind, humble, loving authority of Jesus. His authority is not heavy. It is healing. Christ’s rule frees us from the tyranny of our own independence. To bend the knee is not to lose yourself but to find life serving a humble King.
If I am wise, I will bow the knee to him today.
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 3:13-17: (NIV)
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What part of your life instinctively resists the authority of Jesus?
Why is Jesus baptised, given he was sinless? What does this tell us about the nature of God?
Do you ever pray for Jesus’ return, when his rule and reign will fully come in a new heaven and earth? Let’s pray ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ (Rev 22:20) and join in the heavenly chorus “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15)
PRACTICING SURRENDER
Sit in silence with open hands. Offer one area of resistance to Jesus. Simply pray, “You are my King. Teach me to trust your rule.”
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen.
