Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:12
The power, authority, and wrath of God are uncomfortable topics for me. When I read about God's holiness, I always walk away with a sinking feeling - I am on the wrong side of this battle. I know my heart too well, and I don't know it well at all. What I do know is enough to tell me that I am selfish, vain-glorious, manipulative, and pretty much not what I think God intended me to be.
That is why I love verses like this.
It doesn't say, Blessed is the man who gets it all right.
It doesn't say, Blessed is the man who has infinite self-control.
It doesn't say, Blessed is the man who is everything people think he is.
It says, Blessed is the man who takes refuge in God.
To take refuge is to seek asylum from a hostile force, to find cover in a storm, to find a home when you are displaced.
This comforts me because Jesus is my asylum, my cover, my home. His death removes my guilt and his resurrection seals my acceptance. Like a refugee, I don't bring anything by my need. And like a good and gracious King, he receives me, covers me, and blesses me.
And this leads my hard, rebellious heart to kneel, take his hand, and kiss the king - learning what it means to submit and follow in love and not in fear.
Prayer:
Lord, thank for my place of refuge. Thank you for Jesus, who is both my king and my savior. Thank you for taking the rebel and making him your son. Lead my heart to take refuge in him today instead of in my performance, obedience, success, or the approval of others.
Comments