Read and reflect on how relevant Psalm 2 is for our current cultural moment.
Why do the nations rage[a
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break[b] them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
Psalm 2, ESV
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm one begins with the word “Blessed,” just as Psalm two ends with where to find blessing. The two Psalms are strongly linked and well chosen to begin the prayer and worship book of the people of God. Psalm one contrasts the way of the wicked, which disregards God and His Word with the way of the righteous which is devoted to God and His Word.
Then Psalm two focuses in on the Person in whom blessing is found – the Anointed One, the Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
In these days when there is constant conflict and grasping for power; when those who have influence plot together to achieve their goals and “set themselves” against the plans and purposes of God – what can we do? Where can we go?
Psalm two provides a powerful and compelling reminder that all human power is limited and transient. Only Jesus’ power – the Anointed One, the Son of God, the true and reigning King – is unlimited and eternal. So in the end, whoever wins on November 3 will not matter. Jesus will still be reigning on His throne. Our hope cannot and must not rest in any political party or candidate. Our hope can and must be fixed in Jesus Christ the Lord. When we take refuge in Him, that is when we are blessed!
This election is important for our country. Please do your research, spend time in prayer and listen to the Holy Spirit as you cast your vote. This is no time for Christians to remain passive and uninvolved. There are many Biblical convictions on the line, from the fight to protect the unborn to concern for the poor and oppressed to issues of character and faith to questions of preserving our religious liberty.
Above all, let’s be people of prayer. What our country needs is not more political conflict. What we need is revival. If the Lord awakens and mobilizes His church with the love and message of Jesus, and if there is an overwhelming sense of the holiness and glory of God, all other issues will fall to the side as people realize their ultimate need to get right with God through Jesus Christ.
So as much as we read the news and watch the candidates and talking heads, let’s stop to pray and fix our trust in the reigning King of all Kings!