Rejoice with Trembling - Revision history

Kathyyee: Protected "Rejoice with Trembling" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

Kathyyee — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:59:42 GMT

Protected "Rejoice with Trembling" ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite))

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Revision as of 14:59, 30 June 2010

JoyaTeemer at 21:48, 22 September 2008

JoyaTeemer — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:48:23 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:48, 22 September 2008
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	Pastor John		Pastor John
		+
		+	[[Category:Top priority]]

Bhkauflin at 19:46, 8 July 2008

Bhkauflin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:46:49 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:46, 8 July 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader \|author= John Piper \|partnerurl= http://www.desiringgod.org \|partner= Desiring God \|other= \|mediatype= Article \|lang= English \|editor= n/a \|translator= n/a \|levels= 0\|newtitle=Rejoice with Trembling\|series=Taste and See \|topic=Life Issues \|subtopic=Joy \|month=January \|day= 7\|year=2006}}''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''	+	{{info}}''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''

	<br> ''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''		<br> ''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''

Bhkauflin at 16:05, 18 June 2008

Bhkauflin — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:05:42 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 18 June 2008
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-	{{MasterHeader \|author= John Piper \|partnerurl= http://www.desiringgod.org \|partner= Desiring God ~~\|date= 7 January 2006~~ \|other= ~~\|categorytopic= Joy~~ \|mediatype= Article \|lang= English \|editor= n/a \|translator= n/a \|levels= 0 }}	+	{{MasterHeader \|author= John Piper \|partnerurl= http://www.desiringgod.org \|partner= Desiring God \|other= \|mediatype= Article \|lang= English \|editor= n/a \|translator= n/a \|levels= 0\|newtitle=Rejoice with Trembling\|series=Taste and See \|topic=Life Issues \|subtopic=Joy \|month=January \|day= 7\|year=2006}}''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''

-	~~== Rejoice~~ with ~~Trembling ==~~	+	<br> ''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''

-	''~~A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12~~''	+	''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,''

-	~~<br>~~ ''~~Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling~~.''	+	''for his wrath is quickly kindled.''

-	''~~Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish~~ in ~~the way,~~''	+	''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.''

-	''~~for his wrath is quickly kindled~~.''	+	<br>'''''“Serve the Lord with fear . . .'''''

-	~~''Blessed~~ are ~~all~~ who take ~~refuge~~ in ~~him~~.''	+	This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Serving the Lord with fear and serving the Lord with gladness do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions. “[He] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.

-	~~<br>~~'''''~~“Serve the Lord with fear~~ . . .'''''	+	'''''...and rejoice with trembling.'''''

-	~~This command~~ does not ~~cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord with gladness~~.~~” Serving the Lord with fear and serving the Lord with gladness do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make~~ that ~~plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There~~ is ~~real fear and real joy~~. The ~~reason~~ there ~~is real~~ fear is that ~~there~~ is ~~real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes,~~ the ~~elect are safe in Christ~~. But ~~examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are~~ in the ~~faith; test yourselves~~. ~~Do you~~ not ~~realize that Christ Jesus~~ is ~~in you—unless,~~ of ~~course, you fail~~ the ~~test?” (2 Cor~~. ~~13:5)~~. ~~“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor~~. ~~10:12). Confidence in Christ~~ is ~~not careless~~. ~~Our security~~ is ~~rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions~~. ~~“[He]~~ is ~~able to keep you~~ from ~~stumbling and to present you blameless before~~ the ~~presence~~ of ~~his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves~~.	+	Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.

-	'''''..~~.and rejoice with trembling~~.'''''	+	'''''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .'''''

-	~~Fear does not rob us of our joy~~ for ~~two reasons~~. ~~One~~ is ~~that it drives us to Christ where there~~ is ~~safety~~. ~~The other~~ is ~~that even~~ when ~~we get there~~ the ~~part of fear that Christ relieves~~ is ~~the hope-destroying part~~. ~~But~~ he ~~leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever~~. ~~There~~ is ~~an awe or wonder or trembling in~~ the ~~presence~~ of ~~grandeur that we want to feel as long~~ as we ~~are sure it will not destroy us~~. ~~This trembling does not compete~~ with ~~joy; it is part of joy~~. ~~People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater~~. ~~They want to~~ be ~~scared as long as they are safe~~. ~~For some reason it feels good. This~~ is ~~an echo of~~ the ~~truth that they were made for~~ God. ~~There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when~~ we ~~cannot~~ be ~~hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness~~.	+	God is jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.

-	'''''~~Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way~~ . . .'''''	+	'''''. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled.'''''

-	God is ~~jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god~~, ~~for the Lord~~, ~~whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”~~ (Exodus 34:14). ~~His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given~~ to ~~another~~. ~~Of course there is a Judas kiss~~. ~~That is not what he has~~ in ~~mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration~~ and ~~submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God~~. If ~~we love another more~~, we will ~~perish~~. ~~He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in~~ the ~~universe is at the feet~~ of ~~our~~ God ~~and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us~~.	+	The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be “merciful and gracious, ''slow to anger'', and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Not “quick to anger” but “slow to anger”. Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly.” In other words don’t trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don’t presume upon the patience of God.

-	'''''~~. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled~~.'''''	+	'''''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.'''''

-	The ~~word quickly may not be~~ the ~~best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense~~ of ~~suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible~~ God is ~~said to be “merciful and gracious, ''slow to anger'', and abounding~~ in ~~steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6)~~. ~~Not “quick to anger” but “slow to anger”~~. ~~Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly.” In other words don’t trifle with him in~~ his ~~patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in~~ wrath. If you ~~go on kissing his creation~~ and ~~not his Son~~, ~~suddenly~~ you will find ~~the fangs~~ of a ~~serpent in your lip~~. ~~Don’t presume upon~~ the ~~patience~~ of God.	+	The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.

-	~~'''''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.'''''~~	+	Safe in Christ with you,
-		+
-	The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.	+
-		+
-	Safe in Christ with you,	+

	Pastor John		Pastor John

CharisGalbraith at 21:35, 7 November 2007

CharisGalbraith — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:35:57 GMT

CharisGalbraith at 14:38, 7 November 2007

CharisGalbraith — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:38:44 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:38, 7 November 2007
Line 5:		Line 5:
	''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''		''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''

-	~~''''~~	+	<br> ''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''
-		+
-	~~''''~~	+
-		+
-	''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''	+

	''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,''		''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,''

CharisGalbraith at 14:37, 7 November 2007

CharisGalbraith — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:37:59 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:37, 7 November 2007
Line 5:		Line 5:
	''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''		''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''

-	~~<br>January 7, 2006~~	+	''''

-	~~By John Piper~~	+	''''
-		+
-	~~<br>~~	+

	''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''		''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''

Mahra at 18:54, 6 November 2007

Mahra — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:54:31 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 6 November 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{{MasterHeader \|author= John Piper \|partnerurl= http://www.desiringgod.org \|partner= Desiring God \|date= 7 January 2006 \|other= \|categorytopic= Joy \|mediatype= Article \|lang= English \|editor= n/a \|translator= n/a \|levels= 0 }}
		+
	=== Rejoice with Trembling ===		=== Rejoice with Trembling ===

CharisGalbraith at 14:51, 6 November 2007

CharisGalbraith — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:51:54 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:51, 6 November 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	===Rejoice with Trembling===	+	=== Rejoice with Trembling ===
		+
	''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''		''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''

-		+	<br>January 7, 2006
-	January 7, 2006	+

	By John Piper		By John Piper

-		+	<br>

	''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''		''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.''
Line 17:		Line 17:
	''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.''		''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.''

		+	<br>'''''“Serve the Lord with fear . . .'''''

-	~~'''''“Serve the Lord with fear . . .'''''~~	+	<br>This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord ''with gladness''.” Serving the Lord ''with fear'' and serving the Lord ''with gladness'' do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions. “[He] is able to ''keep'' you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.
-		+
-		+
-	This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord ''with gladness''.” Serving the Lord ''with fear'' and serving the Lord ''with gladness'' do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions. “[He] is able to ''keep'' you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.	+
-		+
-		+
-	~~'''''...and rejoice with trembling.'''''~~	+
-		+
-		+
-	Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.	+
-		+
-		+
-	~~'''''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .'''''~~	+
-		+
-		+
-	God is jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.	+

		+	<br>'''''...and rejoice with trembling.'''''

-	~~'''''~~. . . for ~~his wrath~~ is ~~quickly kindled~~.~~'''''~~	+	<br>Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.

		+	<br>'''''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .'''''

-	~~The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible~~ God is ~~said to be “merciful and gracious~~, ~~''slow to anger''~~, ~~and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”~~ (Exodus 34:6). ~~Not “quick~~ to ~~anger” but “slow to anger”~~. ~~Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly~~.~~” In other words don’t trifle with him~~ in ~~his patience because suddenly it may run out~~ and ~~you be overtaken in wrath~~. If ~~you go on kissing his creation and not his Son~~, ~~suddenly you~~ will ~~find the fangs of a serpent in your lip~~. ~~Don’t presume upon~~ the ~~patience~~ of God.	+	<br>God is jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.

		+	<br>'''''. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled.'''''

-	''''~~'Blessed are all who take refuge~~ in him.~~'''''~~	+	<br>The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be “merciful and gracious, ''slow to anger'', and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Not “quick to anger” but “slow to anger”. Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly.” In other words don’t trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don’t presume upon the patience of God.

		+	<br>'''''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.'''''

-	The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.	+	<br>The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.

	Safe in Christ with you,		Safe in Christ with you,

	Pastor John		Pastor John

Kathyyee: /* Rejoice with Trembling */

Kathyyee — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 03:27:04 GMT

Rejoice with Trembling

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 31 October 2007
Line 20:		Line 20:
	'''''“Serve the Lord with fear . . .'''''		'''''“Serve the Lord with fear . . .'''''

-	This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Serving the Lord with fear and serving the Lord with gladness do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions. “[He] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.

-	. . . and rejoice with trembling.	+	This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord ''with gladness''.” Serving the Lord ''with fear'' and serving the Lord ''with gladness'' do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions. “[He] is able to ''keep'' you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.
		+
		+
		+	'''''...and rejoice with trembling.'''''
		+

	Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.		Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.

-	Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .	+
		+	'''''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .'''''
		+

	God is jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.		God is jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.

-	~~. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled.~~

-	The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Not “quick to anger” but “slow to anger”. Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly.” In other words don’t trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don’t presume upon the patience of God.	+	'''''. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled.'''''
		+
		+
		+	The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be “merciful and gracious, ''slow to anger'', and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Not “quick to anger” but “slow to anger”. Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly.” In other words don’t trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don’t presume upon the patience of God.
		+
		+
		+	'''''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.'''''

-	~~Blessed are all who take refuge in him.~~

	The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.		The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 7 November 2007
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	{{MasterHeader \|author= John Piper \|partnerurl= http://www.desiringgod.org \|partner= Desiring God \|date= 7 January 2006 \|other= \|categorytopic= Joy \|mediatype= Article \|lang= English \|editor= n/a \|translator= n/a \|levels= 0 }}		{{MasterHeader \|author= John Piper \|partnerurl= http://www.desiringgod.org \|partner= Desiring God \|date= 7 January 2006 \|other= \|categorytopic= Joy \|mediatype= Article \|lang= English \|editor= n/a \|translator= n/a \|levels= 0 }}

-	=== Rejoice with Trembling ===	+	== Rejoice with Trembling ==

	''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''		''A Meditation on Psalm 2:11-12''
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	<br>'''''“Serve the Lord with fear . . .'''''		<br>'''''“Serve the Lord with fear . . .'''''

-	~~<br>~~This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord ''with gladness''.” Serving the Lord ''with fear'' and serving the Lord ''with gladness'' do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions. “[He] is able to ''keep'' you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.	+	This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Serving the Lord with fear and serving the Lord with gladness do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain (“rejoice with trembling”). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, “to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God’s daily keeping, not our past decisions. “[He] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.

-	~~<br>~~'''''...and rejoice with trembling.'''''	+	'''''...and rejoice with trembling.'''''

-	~~<br>~~Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.	+	Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part—the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being “frightened” when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.

-	~~<br>~~'''''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .'''''	+	'''''Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .'''''

-	~~<br>~~God is jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.	+	God is jealous for his Son. “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission—perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.

-	~~<br>~~'''''. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled.'''''	+	'''''. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled.'''''

-	~~<br>~~The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be “merciful and gracious, ''slow to anger'', and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Not “quick to anger” but “slow to anger”. Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly.” In other words don’t trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don’t presume upon the patience of God.	+	The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be “merciful and gracious, ''slow to anger'', and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Not “quick to anger” but “slow to anger”. Therefore I am inclined to think Psalm 2:12 means “His wrath can break out suddenly.” In other words don’t trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don’t presume upon the patience of God.

-	~~<br>~~'''''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.'''''	+	'''''Blessed are all who take refuge in him.'''''

-	~~<br>~~The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.	+	The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God’s care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God—the only safe place—is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane—terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.

	Safe in Christ with you,		Safe in Christ with you,

	Pastor John		Pastor John