Read 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.
Go Deeper
There is great power in knowing the truth of God’s Word. It should be the filter through which all of our life experiences flow. Although troubling, it comes as no surprise to those familiar with Scripture that nations rage and people plot against the Lord and His anointed. In fact, Peter recalls the truths found in Psalm 2 to encourage himself and his companions in the face of great adversity. How many times have we found ourselves frustrated because some conflict arose when we were following Jesus with all of our heart? It can be easy to become offended by our life circumstances. Jesus Himself did only what the Father told Him to do and He was faced with great opposition, even death on the cross. Without the truth of Scripture to light our way, we may become discouraged and lose hope in this life. Time and time again God’s Word declares that He is sovereign and He is good.
Psalm 2 tells of people who are raging and plotting against not only their Maker but the very One who has sacrificed everything to save them. Can we declare ourselves innocent from this hopeless attitude? Mankind momentarily thrives in the illusion of control and when we feel it slipping from our grasp we begin to plot and scheme for ways to hold on to it. Fear becomes the motivating factor in our lives rather than faith. Our thoughts and vision become blurred and we lose sight of the truth of Scripture that Jesus is enthroned in the heavens. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that the road is not easy but we have an example of victory in Jesus Christ.
No, this life of following Jesus is not going to feel safe. But those of us who have made the Lord our refuge can live in peace knowing our destiny is secure. We don’t have to spin our wheels plotting for ways to retain “control.” God tells us, “Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). This psalm ends with the charge to “serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” Fear of God doesn’t rob us of joy but instead it should drive us to Christ where there is safety. The reality of the Scriptures truly can set us free and embolden us to live a life full of joy in Christ.
Questions
- This psalm states, “Blessed are those who take refuge in him”. Where are you tempted to seek refuge apart from the Lord?
- Throughout Scripture, men and women found strength and boldness from the Word of God. What current circumstances in your life do you need to filter through the reality of God’s Word?
- Does fear tend to drive you to Christ or away from Him?
By the Way
Peter and John quoted Psalm 2 after being released after speaking before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4.
3 responses to “Psalm 2”
11 Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
The idea of the fear of the Lord does not come easily to me. My default setting is to think of God as a cosmic Santa Claus, always kind, giving, and jolly.
But through the years, I’m learning that to be in an intimate relationship with my Lord that a healthy, reverent, respectful fear is the right posture for me. I love the ocean and I love to be near water as much as possible, but I know that I must be respectful, even fearful as I come before the ocean. Likewise with God!
This Psalm is considered a Messianic Psalms.
“Psalm 2 tells us that Christ is the center of God’s economy, the center of God’s administration. God declared to the whole earth, “Yet have I anointed my king upon Zion, the hill of my holiness.” Do not care for many things; only care for this: God has declared that He has anointed, installed, and established Christ as the King. I do not think there could be any word more clear than Psalm 2. It is so brief, yet so strong. There is God’s declaration, then Christ’s declaration, and then the gospel preaching.” Witness Lee
Not sure about you all but this was not so easy to grasp. After some research it is now better. Also this is one of the most cited scripters in the new testament per google. Key citations include Acts 4:25-26 (v. 1-2), Acts 13:33 (v. 7), Hebrews 1:5 & 5:5 (v. 7), and Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15 (v. 9), which focus on his resurrection, authority, and ultimate victory.
Jesus was given three titles in this Psalm ‘The Anointed’, ‘My King’, and ‘My Son’.
A key note for me is that God will show the world, when it is His timing, that Jesus is King.
God thank You for Your son. God thank You that He was willing to be so obedient unto death for His great love for You first and foremost, then to us that He saved me as He fulfilled the ultimate sacrifice. God thank You that I never take that for granted. God give me spiritual wisdom to understand Your word more fully and listening ears to obey when You give me direction. God thank You for these minutes of this day that all I say and do is a honor and glory to You. My heart is so full of gratitude and love for You. Thank You for turning all my joy into praise in Jesus name amen
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (v12).
The longer I’ve walked my faith journey with Christ the more often I choose him first as my refuge over earthly things. He never disappoints but continually proves to be my saving grace.