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

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

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

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

Psalm 2

God wins. God always wins.

Look at the people, the most powerful people of the earth. They gathered against God, they gathered against his anointed, his chosen one. They want to be rid of God, they want to be rid of his rule and authority.

What does God do? He laughs. He scoffs at their attempt to dethrone him. He rebukes and terrifies his opponents. Instead of these other leaders, he installs his own king. He installs his son as king and ruler. He will have the authority and power to rule the nations, and execute the God’s justice over the earth.

So, what does this mean for us? For not only the most powerful of people, but also to the lowly? Serve the Lord. Remember who the real king is. Otherwise, you will face judgement. You will face the wrath of the son. But, if you serve him, if you take refuge in him, you will be safe. You will be safe from the coming wrath of God’s anointed king.

This shouldn’t be a strange idea. It’s one we’ve seen over again in Revelation. It’s one that was seen over again in the Old Testament. It’s an idea that continue on until Jesus returns to judge the world: God wins, and mankind either find their refuge in him, or fight him and face his judgement.

Grow Deeper

Read Zephaniah 3

What is the Day of the Lord? Will it be a good day or a bad day?

What is God going to do on that day?

Reading these verses now, how is Jesus’ death a fulfilment of this promise?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Only you have complete and total authority over this earth. Over the spiritual realm. Over every person, every time and every place. But mankind, myself included, hate your rule. I’d rather rule over myself, determining my own path and my own way to live my life. I have tried to break away from you, break the chains of your rule and kingship. Father, I am sorry for this. I am sorry for trying to live my own way, without your rule.

Gracious God, I pray that I would serve you and celebrate your rule. Thank you that in you, and in you alone, I can find refuge from your righteous anger and wrath.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.