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LytlePM_inlineDr. Jim Lytle delivered the sermon on Thursday’s final session. His text was Psalm 2, an enthronement Psalm that is shot through with references to the Davidic kings of old. Ultimately, it is a text that points forward to the Davidic King, who is King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Psalm is set against the backdrop of widespread rebellion. The nations of the earth have taken their stand against the Lord and against His anointed. “God? The Bible? We don’t want anything to do with that,” Lytle intones, summarizing their attitude. (It’s a sentiment with which we are becoming increasingly familiar today, even in institutions that have traditionally been strongholds of Judeo-Christian thought and practice.)

In response to the plotting of the nations, the creator of heaven and earth—awesome in splendor and mighty in power—can only laugh: “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision” (Ps. 2: 4). Then He sets His face to deal with the evildoers, and His chosen instrument to carry out this sacred task is none other than the anointed Davidic king. “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion” (Ps. 3:6).

The message of Psalm 2 is one of encouragement in times of increasing hostility against the things of God. It is a call to serve Christ Jesus, Whose enthronement cannot be forestalled or thwarted by even the mightiest of human rulers. “Even though Jesus’ opponents are united and powerful,” Lytle explains, “His kingship is certain and He will rule absolutely. So joyfully submit to Him!”