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REGARD TO CHRIST ENFORCED
TO so great a degree do the Psalms abound with prophecies relating to Christ, that all the most important circumstances of his life and death, his resurrection and glory, might be narrated from them with almost as much precision as in the Gospels themselves. The psalm before us has but a partial reference to David. It may be considered indeed as a triumphant proclamation of his establishment on his throne, notwithstanding all the opposition that had been made to him by Saul and by the Jews themselves. But it principally points to the exaltation of Jesus to his throne of glory: and it concludes with an address to all the monarchs of the earth to submit themselves to his government.
In considering the words of the text, we shall call your attention to,
I. The injunction—
Who “the Son” is, we are at no loss to determine; since an inspired commentator has expressly declared him to be Christ [Note: Compare ver. 7. with Heb_1:5.]. By “kissing” him, we are to understand,
1. Submission to his authority—
[Samuel having anointed Saul to be king of Israel, kissed him, in token of his submission to the power that was now vested in him [Note: 1Sa_10:1.]. Now Jesus is “seated as King upon God’s holy hill in Zion [Note: ver. 6.]:” and he demands that all should acknowledge him as their supreme Lord and only Saviour [Note: Compare Isa_45:23-24. with Rom_14:11.]. His yoke in every view is hateful to us by nature; but most of all are we averse to “submit to his righteousness [Note: Rom_10:3.].” But this we must do, renouncing every other ground of dependence [Note: Php_3:9.], and trusting in him as “The Lord our Righteousness [Note: Jer_23:6.].”]
2. Love to his person—
[When Mary desired to express her love to Jesus, she “kissed his feet [Note: Luk_7:38.]:” and we also must feel in our hearts, and express, in every possible way, a fervent attachment to him. The characteristic mark of his disciples is, to “love him in sincerity [Note: Eph_6:24.].” Destitute of this mark, we have nothing to expect but speedy and everlasting destruction [Note: 1Co_16:22.]. We must therefore account him precious to our souls [Note: 1Pe_2:7.], yea, “fairer than ten thousand, and altogether lovely.” We must delight ourselves in contemplating his beauty, and maintaining fellowship with him [Note: 1Jn_1:3.].]
3. Devotion to his service—
[Idolaters used, in worshipping their gods, to kiss their images [Note: Hos_13:2. 1Ki_19:18.], or to kiss their hands in token of their devout regard to them [Note: Job_31:20; Job_31:27.]. In this sense also we are to “kiss the Son,” exercising the same faith in him that we do in the Most High God [Note: Act_9:6. Joh_14:1.], and honouring him in every respect as we honour the Father [Note: Joh_5:23.]. — — — To kiss him, like Judas, and betray him, will fearfully aggravate our condemnation.]
The vast importance of this injunction will appear, if we consider,
II. The arguments with which it is enforced—
And here we notice,
1. The danger of disobeying it—
[Gracious and loving as the Saviour is, he is susceptible of anger on just occasions, and feels a holy indignation against those who slight his love. And “if once his wrath be kindled, yea, but a little,” it will utterly destroy us [Note: Rev_6:15-17.]. It will be but little consolation for us to see others suffering under his heavier displeasure: the person who feels the smallest portion of his wrath in hell, will be inexpressibly and eternally miserable: and therefore it becomes us to offer him the sincerest tribute of our affection without delay. Nothing but this can prevent our ruin. In whatever “way” we are walking, we shall “perish from it,” if we do not embrace him with the arms of faith, and “cleave to him with full purpose of heart [Note: Act_11:23.].”]
2. The benefit arising from obedience to it—
[What was before metaphorically represented by “kissing the Son,” is here more simply expressed by “trusting in him.” In fact, a cordial and entire confidence in him, as “our wisdom, righteousness, Sanctification, and redemption,” comprehends all the duties which we are capable of performing towards him in this world.
Now such a trust in him renders a man inconceivably blessed. It brings peace into his soul: it obtains for him the forgiveness of all his sins; it secures “grace sufficient for him,” and “strength according to his day.” It makes him “blessed” in every state; in health or sickness, in wealth or poverty, in life or death. It entities him to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance in heaven. No creature that possessed it, ever perished. Glory and honour and immortality are the portion of “all that trust in Christ.” Whatever may have been their past conduct, or however they may doubt their own acceptance with God, they “are” blessed, and shall be blessed for evermore.]
Application—
[Here then is the direction which in God’s name we give to all; “Kiss the Son.” If you have any desire to escape the wrath to come, or to lay hold on eternal life, this is the sure, the only way of attaining your end. Neglect Christ; and, whatever else you either have or do, it will avail you nothing: you must “perish” everlastingly [Note: Luk_14:24 and Joh_3:36.]. Love the Lord Jesus Christ, and give yourselves up unto him; and, notwithstanding your past sins, or present infirmities, “you shall never perish, but shall have everlasting life [Note: Joh_3:15-16.].”]