Today’s thought is timely. It is taken from Eugene’s Peterson’s modern translation, The Message (MSG). “10 So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: 11 Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. 12 Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God—you won’t regret it!” (Psalm 2:10-12 MSG).

Warnings are everywhere these days. Here are a few examples to lighten your day: On a Sears hair-dryer: "Do not use while sleeping." On a bag of Fritos: "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside." On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): "Do not turn upside down." On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." On Boot's Children Cough Medicine: "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication.” On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts." On a Swedish chainsaw: "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands." You got to smile. Sadly, these warning labels are on these products for a reason! I saw one hair-dryer that warned, “Do not use in shower.”

We laugh at things like this, but the reason they are on these products is because we live in a litigatious society. I am amazed at the various court cases in this country that have awarded huge cash settlements to people who were injured doing dumb things. A children’s Halloween superman costume contained this warning: “This suit does not enable the wearer to fly.”

Warnings are everywhere today except in the most important place: in the church. It is not popular preaching to sound any sort of spiritual warning to people today and our pulpits have complied. I think of one large church where the pastor actually declared, “We are not going to talk of anything negative in this church. Sin and hell are negative doctrines and will not be mentioned.” Great marketing, poor theology.

The warnings on packages are there for a reason. The warnings in Scripture are there for a reason. David puts it all in perspective in our text: “10 So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: 11 Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. 12 Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God—you won’t regret it!” (Psalm 2:10-12 MSG). Popular message? No. You won’t find this or anything similar in the how to manuals of church growth which are so popular today. You will find them in God’s manual of church growth however. We are not called to be popular. We are called to be faithful. Don’t shy away from the hard message. Someday it will be too late.