Some of what I’m on the look out for when I’m reading in the morning are “commands to obey.” I’m not looking to construct a “to do” list . . . or, for that matter, a “not to do” list . . . so that I can try and merit God’s favor — that’s a done deal. This morning, solely because of the grace of God and the work of Christ on the cross, I am accepted as a child of God . . . redeemed by the blood . . . declared righteous in Him . . . having believed in Him as the Son of God and the Savior of men. So why look for stuff to obey? K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Sincere Saint . . .

The Scriptures are clear that believers should walk in a manner consistent with what they say they believe (Eph. 4:1) . . . that their walk should line up with their talk . . . that those who are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29) should, in fact, reflect something of that image and act like He would act (Eph. 5:1). So, if I’m going to take that seriously . . . and if I believe that the Scriptures have been preserved through the ages so that I don’t have to figure out what “consistency” looks like on my own . . . then, when I read the Word, it makes sense that one of the things I should be on the look out for are commands to obey. K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Straight Saint . . .

And the command that grabbed me this morning is found in Psalm 2 . . . a simple command . . . “Kiss” . . . “Kiss the Son” (Ps. 2:12a)

The command is contrasted with those who rage and plot against the Lord in vain . . . those who set themselves against the Lord . . . who arrogantly try to “out noodle” the Almighty. And God, as it where, laughs from heaven at the foolishness of the Created trying to elevate themselves above the Creator. One day, the kingdom that Jesus is now establishing in the hearts and lives of believers will give way to a visible kingdom . . . His kingdom on earth . . . the nations His heritage . . . the earth His possession . . . His rule visible and indisputable. So why do men fight against it? Instead says the Psalmist, “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son . . . blessed are those who take refuge in Him.” (Ps. 2:11-12)

Kiss the Son. Lean in, as it were . . . get close and personal . . . and honor Him with a holy kiss. There’s no honoring Jesus from a distance. There’s no punching salvation’s ticket with a profession of faith and then going on with life as usual. But those who are His are called to draw near . . . to revere and honor . . . to abide . . . to follow. There really isn’t any middle ground. Jesus said, “You are either with me or you are against me” (Luke 11:23) . . . you either kiss Me or you rage against Me. Someone once said that the opposite of love isn’t hate . . . it’s indifference. The Psalmist says, “Don’t be indifferent . . . don’t align with the ways of a world that sits in basic opposition to the Me . . . Kiss the Son.” K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Strong Saint . . .

It doesn’t just happen by default . . . it’s a verb . . . something I need to do. I think it finds its expression in serving Him . . . in imitating Him . . . in rejoicing in Him . . . in worshiping Him . . . in humbly falling at His feet in awe of Him. It’s accompanied with affection . . . it’s driven by appreciation . . . it’s manifest in adoration.

I think that’s at least some of it . . . Oh, that I might learn more of what it is to Kiss the Son . . . for His glory.

K.I.S.S . . . Keep It Seeking Saint . . .