Nations Rage - Psalm 2:1-4, 10-12

Seek God Together

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Today we will read Psalm chapter 2, verses 1-4 and then 10-12. They say, “Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the LORD and His Anointed One: ‘Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints.’ … So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son or He will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for His anger may ignite at any moment. All those who take refuge in Him are happy.”

There’s a lot here. Not the first of which is that this Psalm, the second Psalm, so obviously points to the LORD’s “Anointed One” - the Son. The One to receive the nations as His inheritance? Sound familiar? Sound like Jesus? Should we be surprised? All of scripture, if you’re willing to see it, is pointing to Him. The nations are His.

But you, like so many grieving prophets before you, might be lamenting that as you look around, speak with friends, speak with family, engage people on social media, watch the news…that so many, seemingly the majority at times, ignore, malign, and disregard God, or at least His design and rule. Many are quote “tearing off their chains and freeing themselves from their restraints.” In the effort to achieve freedom they rebel against the very One Who can give true freedom.

And the Lord responds in a way we may not like. He laughs. He ridicules and mocks. He is angry. And like a pile of wood which before the fire was cool to the touch and seemingly unmoved forever, suddenly the spark ignites and the heat is unbearable. And there is a promise to the faithful. Unlike the rebels who will encounter the Lord’s wrath, those who take refuge in Him, are…safe? Secure? Morally affirmed? No - they are happy. Do you want to be happy?

In closing, notice who the warning is aimed at. It’s the kings - the rulers. They are the ones actively throwing off God’s restraints. Are you a king or a ruler? If not, recognize then that your capacity to influence is limited. Do not fret or take ownership for something that is not yours. Pray for your rulers - pray for your kings. But you do rule something. At the very least you rule yourself. Your business. Your home or family. You may help oversee an organization. Take the warning then in verses 10-12. Be wise, receive instruction, serve the Lord with awe. Pay homage - literally - kiss the Son - worship. The warning is stern if you don’t - you will perish in your rebellion. So don’t rebel - don’t perish. Take refuge in Him and be happy.

God, I choose to take ownership of what’s mine. I don’t want to refuse You or Your rule over me. You are the King and I take refuge in You. Show me how to do that and what it means for me.