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 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?
Listen to This
Click on this link for an overview of the book of Psalms!
5 thoughts on “Psalm 2”
I recognize the thread of God’s sovereignty throughout Psalm 2. God is completely in charge, we are not. However, that does not mean we won’t try to be the captain of our own ship and usurp his authority. Today, let’s choose to be wise, receive instruction from his Word, serve the Lord in reverence, rejoice and pay homage to Him. Here we will find true happiness.
Pastor and theologian Charles Spurgeon believed that verses 7-8 referred to both King David and Jesus. He says, “If the royal and divine Son of God cannot be exempted from the rule of asking that he may have, you and I cannot expect the rule to be relaxed in our favor. Why should it be?”
Might you and I ask rightly. May we live with hearts bent toward oneness with God (Gal. 3:27-28) that is met with service to God and toward all others, ending in joy and contentment. God, help us find refuge in you alone.
Ask Me and I will give you the nation’s for your inheritance. Therefore be wise, be instructed, serve the Lord with fear, but also rejoice with trembling. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
We do have the right to ask and as a result in His mercy, to receive. But along with asking and receiving we most be wise and insctructable, and not acting as if we know it all, but always have fear for Him, the kind of fear that doesn’t allow us to do wrong. And God says “hey but also remember to enjoy it” rejoice!
God wants to give us, He wants to bless us, but we should know who to administrate His blessing with wisdom, fear and rejoicing.
Refuge is a common theme throughout the Psalms and one that resonates with me in many seasons of my life. Seeking, finding and taking refuge in Christ ought to be our pattern for living, as He is such a safe and secure place for us in times of trouble… or in any time of life. So thankful that in 2020 Christ made Himself known as my refuge… my comfort, my protector, my place of hope!
“The One enthroned in heaven laughs”
One of my favorite verses in the Bible! What an amazing picture of the sovereignty of God. He holds the whole world in His hand and is in control over all those in positions of power on the earth. God is so much more powerful than rebellious earthly rulers that he literally sits on His throne and looks down at them and laughs. How great a reminder it is to know that we should not worry about which candidate is elected President because we have an amazing God who is in control and worthy of our praise.