The psalmist urges the kings of the earth to kiss the One who is infinitely greater than themselves as a sign of submission, seeking His mercy in view of coming judgment. In principle this applies to us too, for we are all enemies of God by nature and practice, and we need to heed Paul’s words: “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20; Col. 1:21).

God takes no pleasure in judgment (Isa. 28:21; Ezek. 18:23), and He has reconciled matters, for “mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed” (Ps. 85:10). The Lord Jesus laid the righteous basis for this in His death. Today God is “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). Psalm 2 closes with the words, “Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”

But what is God’s aim in all this? Not simply to save us from judgment but to bring us near to Himself so that we might know and enjoy Him. The Song of Songs pictures this. King Solomon’s beloved craves his kisses. Surely this looks forward to God’s earthly people recognizing and desiring the Lord Jesus as their King at His second coming—unlike His first (Zech. 9:9; Isa. 53:2). But we can apply her words to ourselves now as those who form the Church, His bride for eternity, for whom He gave Himself (Eph. 5:25).

Do we let Him occupy us with Himself? How many things in this life—earthly pleasure, business, duty, even Christian service—can take the place of this communion if we let them. Our Lord said of Mary that she had “chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Lk. 10:42). If He delights in our company as His Father does too, should we not delight in Their company? Let us make time for it today.