Read Psalm 2
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.
Go Deeper
There is great power in knowing the truth of God’s Word. It should be the filter through which all of our life experiences flow. Although troubling, it comes as no surprise to those familiar with Scripture that nations rage and people plot against the Lord and His anointed. In fact, Peter recalls the truths found in Psalm 2 to encourage himself and his companions in the face of great adversity.
How many times have we found ourselves frustrated because some conflict arose when we were following Jesus with all of our heart? It can be easy to become offended by our life circumstances. Jesus Himself did only what the Father told Him to do and He was faced with great opposition, even death on the cross. Without the truth of Scripture to light our way, we may become discouraged and lose hope in this life. Time and time again God’s Word declares that He is sovereign and He is good.
Psalm 2, the first Messianic psalm pointing to a savior to come, tells of people who are raging and plotting against not only their Maker but the very One who has sacrificed everything to save them. Can we declare ourselves innocent from this hopeless attitude? Mankind momentarily thrives in the illusion of control and when we feel it slipping from our grasp we begin to plot and scheme for ways to hold on to it. Fear becomes the motivating factor in our lives rather than faith. Our thoughts and vision become blurred and we lose sight of the truth of Scripture that Jesus is enthroned in the heavens. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that the road is not easy but we have an example of victory in Jesus Christ.
No, this life of following Jesus is not going to feel safe. But those of us who have made the Lord our refuge can live in peace knowing our destiny is secure. We don’t have to spin our wheels plotting for ways to retain “control.” God tells us, “Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). This psalm ends with the charge to “serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” Fear of God doesn’t rob us of joy but instead it should drive us to Christ where there is safety. The reality of the Scriptures truly can set us free and embolden us to live a life full of joy in Christ.
Questions
- This psalm states, “Blessed are those who take refuge in him”. Where are you tempted to seek refuge apart from the Lord?
- Throughout Scripture, men and women found strength and boldness from the Word of God. What current circumstances in your life do you need to filter through the reality of God’s Word?
- Does fear tend to drive you to Christ or away from Him?
Keep Digging
To learn more about the messianic psalms, check out this article from The Gospel Coalition!
4 thoughts on “Messianic Psalms: Psalm 2”
We’ve known there is a “scarlet thread” running through the verses of scripture that point to Christ, the anointed Savior of the world. This beautiful thread/redemption plan was birthed in the very heart of God before the foundation of the world even existed. It is on full display in this Psalm David penned. We’re reminded that even though the world may misunderstand, conspire and reject the upside down kingdom God offers, we can choose to surrender and fully submit to him (Kiss his Son) in reverence and rejoicing. That’s how we experience true joy as he becomes our refuge in the chaos of navigating this life. We get to partner with the Savior of the world! Nothing can compare to this.
Jesus Christ is Lord. He completed what He and God set out to do. We have forgiveness through His blood. We overthink, when we should just simplfy our approach to Him. Put away all effort to impress and come as a small child, with wonder and amazement. In Him we find all that we have longed for because He quickened our spirit to be in kinship with Himself.
God thank You for Your goodness. I am satisfied but I also long for MORE. Thank. You for Your grace, mercy and peace. Help me as I long after more of You, that the world stays away. God continue to show me who You are minute by minute. God thank You that I continue to renew my mind to Your word, that I can stay my mind on You, that I can pray continually to increase with fellowship wtth You. God thank You for this day, these minutes that I glorfiy You in all I say and do in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are to remember the God who is the beginning and end of all times, to rest in His sovereignty, and to have joy in all circumstances.
12 “Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction,”
Yes, this “Messianic Psalm” points the way to the coming savior! Amen!