Why do the nations rage and the peoples meditate on a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against Yahweh and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!”
Psalm 2
He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord mocks them. Then He speaks to them in His anger and terrifies them in HIs fury, saying, “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.”
“I will surely tell of the decree of Yahweh: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, you shall shatter them like a potter’s vessel.’”
So now, O kings, show insight; take warning, O judges of the earth. Serve Yahweh with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath my soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
Introduction
If the first Psalm sets the groundwork for what a man or woman of righteousness is expected to do, this second Psalm tells us about the character and the authority of God. While the first Psalm focused on the individual, this second one broadens the scope to all of human history. From the fall until Christ returns, mankind rebels against God, with kings and rulers setting themselves up to be worshiped instead of Him. From Pharaoh to Caesar to the magnates of industry, men in power whose wealth exceeds all their needs or desires turn their sights on the praise and adoration due to God alone. But they will not have what they desire, and you would do well to approach the ruler of all creation with fear and trembling.
During this advent season, one of the verses we read, speak, and even sing is Isaiah 40:4, which predicts the coming of the Lord Jesus as one where the valleys will be lifted up and the mountains be made low. This is not a reference to the physical landscape of the earth, but rather to the people who inhabit it. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
The kings of the earth
Notice first the adversaries listed in this Psalm. “The kings of the earth” and “the rulers” come together to conspire against the Lord. Why would they do this? Do they not recognize their relatively insignificant power and importance when compared to the God of the Universe? Or do they believe their wealth and status are owed them? Perhaps they believe they are in their positions because they deserve it.
Do you ever embody this mentality? Do you find yourself claiming by right that which is never promised to you? Maybe it is your own position of power. Or maybe it is something you do not have yet, like wealth, relationships, or healing. God does not owe any of that to us. In fact, the more He gives us, the more He expects of us (Luke 12:48). And that is why “He who sits in the heavens laughs”. He knows their power is not their own, and He alone knows the extent to which He may undo them. So do not be like the rulers of the earth who scoff and scorn. Instead, humble yourself before God and recognize His ownership over all you possess.
Like a potter’s vessel
And what is God’s response to this haughty arrogance and pride? He sends His anointed One (translated as “Christ” into Greek) to execute swift judgment upon them. Christ is given the possession of all nations, that is every peoples who walk the earth, and a rod of judgment with which He will “shatter [the rebellious ones] like a potter’s vessel.” If you have ever worked with clay, you know how fragile it is. Imagine striking a clay pot with an iron rod. The pot would not stand a chance. No clay ever made could hold up against a blow from heaving iron. And no amount of power, wealth, or human adoration can shield the unrepentant from God’s wrath.
But the Psalm is not without hope. There is a command in the midst of all this terror: “Serve Yahweh with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, for HIs wrath may soon be kindled.” Do not think His mercy extends to your unbelief. Believe in Him fully and serve Him as Lord, because He is Lord, and to Him is due all the praise, glory, and honor.
Which brings us to the lasting and abiding hope found in Christ: “How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Note then that He is both the source of danger and the source of protection. The difference is whether you will seek refuge in Him or seek to defy Him.
May you be found in Him upon His final triumph, and may the Lord bless you and conform you into the image of His Son.
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