¹Why 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.

Can you imagine a battle that’s won before it’s even started? Here in Ps. 2 we see just that. This Psalm shows us how futile it is to try and fight against God. The enemies of God plot and conspire, but they don’t stand a chance. The victory belongs to God and his king.

And in v7 God makes a massive promise to the king,

“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.’”

Imagine you’re an Israelite hearing this promise. Who is this victorious king? Well if you lived around 1000 BC, then who other than King David, the one who conquered his enemies and made Israel a mighty nation? He is the one who has given us refuge! But what are you meant to think when David dies, and the promise is left unfulfilled? Can you imagine how the people of Israel would be longing for another king? A king who would win a victory far greater than David?

When Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan at the beginning of his ministry we’re told that God’s voice comes from heaven, saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk. 1:11). Jesus is the Son of God – the king that the Psalms were looking forward to. Jesus is the king who takes the victory. The greatest of all victories.

It’s the victory we see as Jesus dies at the cross. Where his enemies had plotted and conspired, and thought they had won. But Jesus shows his victory as he conquers sin and conquers death. How incredible that Jesus won this victory for us! And that he died so we could take refuge in him.

HEAD: What have you learnt about Jesus from Psalm 2? What have you learnt about yourself?

HEART: How does it make you feel that Jesus won the victory through his death?

HANDS: What comfort will you take from knowing that Jesus is your refuge?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you that Jesus is the king that the Psalms were longing for, and that he won the greatest victory of all when he defeated sin and death. Lord, thank you that Jesus’ blood has rescued me from the punishment I deserve. Thank you that he is my refuge. By your Spirit, help me to live with thankfulness and gladness. Even in the face of my weaknesses, help me cling to Jesus so that many more people would find refuge in him, too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Josiah