July 6 – Begotten for God’s Glory

“I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.” – Psalm 2:7-8 (ESV)

Psalm 1 and 2 haven’t any title or notations about the author. Sometimes, comparing “blessed” in Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 2:12, these songs are said to share in the role of introducing the Psalter. “You are my Son” in verse 7  recalls 2 Samuel 7:8–16 and is the only Old Testament reference to the Father/Son relationship in the Trinity; a relationship decreed in eternity past and demonstrated in the incarnation ⸺ a major message of the New Testament. But it appears seven times in the Gospels. Once in Acts and quoted directly twice in the letter to the Hebrews. It’s an affirmation, a promise, an announcement from Heaven by God our Father on two occasions (the baptism of Jesus and when He appeared with Moses and Elijah while He was transfigured on the mountain.). Thus, recorded six times in the first three Gospels. Treasured by believers, in 1740 Charles Jennens, George Fredrick Handel’s friend included these words in the libretto he wrote from scripture for Handel’s Messiah ⸺ 18 months before Handel actually composed the music. Often heard at Christmastime, we’re reminded of it now for in July, only six months until Christmas when many start their countdown.

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