16,17 Feb -- the Divine Son

Readings for Fri 16 & Sat 17 Feb are -- Gen 5,6; Ps 2:7-12; Prov 1:7; Mt 3.

Hi. John the Baptist here. (Blame my family for that one. They made me put it in after we'd read Mt 3 together.)

Don't miss the big band night tomorrow night. Dennis is speaking on today's reading from Proverbs -- "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Now for a bit of advanced Bible study for those who'd like some challenging extension work. Psalm 2 has no superscription, but is attributed to David in Acts 4:25. It's generally regarded as a Messianic Psalm. Some argue it was used in the coronation rite for a new King. Can you imagine it in the order of service?

Ps 2:7 relates to the historical occasion in 2 Samuel 7 when the Prophet Nathan has a word from God for David -- "I will raise up after you your descendant... I will be a father to him, and he will be a Son to me." It is referred to several times in the NT and is obviously a very significant verse. It is quoted in Acts 13:33 re Jesus' resurrection (see also Rom 1:3-4); Hebrews 1:5 re his Ascension/enthronement; Hebrews 5:5 re his High Priestly role. At Jesus' baptism (see today's Mt reading), God says "This is my beloved Son...", echoing Ps 2:7. God says the same thing at Jesus' transfiguration (see Mt 17:5 & 2 Pet 1:17). It all emphasises the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus.