Kabwata Baptist Church                                                                Sunday, March 08, 2009 AM

THE DIVINE SOURCE OF THE GREAT COMMISSION

(Evangelistic Discourses from Psalm 1 and 2: No 41)

TEXT: Psalm 2:8

INTRODUCTION

We continue in our series of messages from these first two psalms of the Bible. Having completed the first psalm, we are presently looking at this second psalm. We have seen the mutiny of mankind. We have also seen God’s reaction to this mutiny. And now we are looking at the king’s reaction to this mutiny. Essentially, we have heard him wanting to tell us about a historic event when he was crowned King of kings and Lord of Lords by God himself, having merited this by his life and death on the cross. Today, he is telling us that this is the basis of his worldwide agenda of bringing all nations to himself, and that includes you!

A GIFT GIVEN BY GOD HIMSELF

The king makes it plain here that the source of his agenda is a conversation between him and God in which the owner of the universe gave him the nations (see Psalm 89:3-4,19-37). “Ask of me and I will give you the nations…” Can you argue against that? That is why Jesus could say, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make…” (Matthew 28:18). They have been given to him! This explains the confidence shown by Jesus (John 6:35-40). Surely the Creator has the right to do this, doesn’t he? He is bequeathing an inheritance as a Father to his Son (see John 17:1-6). What right, then, do you have to argue?

INCLUDING GENTILE NATIONS

The king also makes it plain here that the borders of his agenda are also a fruit of the conversation he had with God. This gift that has been given by God to the king is not only about the nation of Israel, but it also includes the Gentile nations. That is what “nations” (in plural) means in the Old Testament (Isaiah 49:5-7). Up to this point, the church was limited to the nation of Israel, but upon this accomplishment, the kingship would extend to other nations—which, by the way, also belonged to God. God is to give them to Jesus by his Spirit and grace through the gospel (John 17:20-21). It is not for “the Jews only”, but also for you!

A WORLDWIDE COMMISSION

The king finally makes it plain here that the extent of his agenda was spelt out in the same conversation between him and God. So, the fact that a few nations, beyond the nation of Israel, have bowed their knees to him is not enough. The agenda continues to the ends of the earth. Why? It is because with his blood Jesus purchased men for God from every nation (see Revelation 5:9). Hence, the gospel must be preached to all nations before the end of this world will come (Matthew 24:14). We are to make disciples of ALL nations. This is why his message comes to you as well today. Oh, then, give up your rebellion and surrender to Jesus!

CONCLUSION

This psalm was written by King David about 1,000 years before Jesus was born, and yet see how accurately it speaks of Jesus and the church. Do you still think this book is ordinary, in the light of its unity and accuracy of prophecy? The Bible must have been inspired. That is the only explanation! I do not doubt that the “opinion makers” of every generation are still opposed to Jesus Christ. Yet, open your eyes and see the marching on of the church of Christ. It is unstoppable because of this agenda. Hence, today his message of grace is extended to you. Will you not submit yourself to him? Make Jesus your Saviour and Lord today. Amen!