Psalm 2 - NIV

1.   Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
2.   The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3.   ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’

4.   The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
5.   He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6.   ‘I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.’

7.   I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.
8.   Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
9.    You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.’

10.   Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11.   Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12.   Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

 

Devotional from Bishop Ken Clarke

 

 

One of the things I absolutely love about the Psalms is the total honesty we find in them. Feelings are expressed. Doubts are articulated and really big questions are asked. That’s how this Psalm, Psalm 2 begins…

1. Why do the nations conspire
    and the peoples plot in vain?
2. The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3. “Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

King David, the author is asking the Lord one of “the why questions.” There is violence and conflict. There is a plotting against, opposition to, and attacks on God’s people. “What is going on?”  asks the Psalmist.

But there is a bigger picture here!  This is often called a coronation Psalm. It has a lot to do with King David, anointed by God as King of God’s people. But the bigger picture is that there is a greater King. There is a higher throne, to quote Keith Getty’s hymn. There is a King of Kings and His Name is Jesus. That is why this Psalm is quoted several times in the New Testament, e.g Acts 13:32,33. Jesus of Nazareth is God’s Son and Anointed One… see verse 7 in Psalm 2.  

From the very beginning of Jesus’s life people plotted against Him. At his birth King Herod rose up against Him. Throughout His ministry some in authority plotted to get rid of Him. Life was not easy. Nor will it be for all who believe in Him. Being a Christian will mean there are times when we are opposed and misunderstood. Don’t be surprised. It is normal Christianity! Rick Warren says that when we follow Jesus a target is painted on our back!

So what are some of the vital lessons of this Psalm for us today?

* God is sovereign and in control…Trust Him!

*Jesus is The Messiah and King of Kings…obey Him!

QUESTION:  In which areas of our lives today  do we need to trust Him… and obey Him?

And finally!!!  Never forget how the Psalm finishes in verse 12…..

Blessed are all who take refuge in him.