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.
Have you taken refuge in the blessed one? The opening words of Psalm 1 introduced us to the blessed one, God’s king. The closing words of Psalm 2 now invite us to share in the blessings of God’s king by taking refuge in him.
Psalm 2 is about the sheer stupidity of taking refuge in anyone else. People have always opposed God’s plans and turned to other powers. God himself finds that course laughable. It’s ridiculous to think that God’s king won’t be the ultimate victor. All rivals are warned: God has installed his true king. This king has complete and utter power over his enemies. This king will have authority over all the earth.
Who is this king of ultimate power? Who is this king of ultimate refuge? As we will see throughout the Psalms, this Psalm fits Jesus better than David. It is Jesus who rulers plotted against (Acts 4:25-26). It is Jesus, at his baptism, who God declares to be his true Son (Mark 1:11). It is Jesus’ resurrection that shows his ultimate victory (Acts 13:33). It is Jesus who has been given all power and authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:19). Yes, it is Jesus who is this king of absolute power.
Absolute power is not usually attractive to us. In the history of the world all attempts to assume absolute power have been evil. But imagine absolute power used for absolute good. Imagine absolute power that is so attractive, you want to run towards it rather than run from it. That is the power of Jesus. For in his death and resurrection he has used his power to bring salvation: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). So this power is wonderful. It is indeed our only refuge. It is our complete refuge in these days of Covid – 19. While the world is in turmoil we know our King reigns forever.
Head: What have you learnt about Jesus from Psalm 2? What have you learnt about yourself?
Heart: How does it make you feel that, whatever this day serves up, you have an ultimate refuge in Jesus?
Hands: Who might you cross paths with today who has not yet taken refuge in Jesus? Who can you call to give encouragement that Jesus in control?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that in his death and resurrection Jesus is the victorious king of Psalm 2. Thank you that the ultimate blessing of salvation is found by taking refuge in him. Please help me to remember that in any challenges I face today. Please show me the ways that I seek refuge elsewhere, and help me to turn to Jesus instead. And please help me to be watchful for opportunities to point others to my king that they might also find refuge in him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
