DO YOUR RULERS WORRY YOU?

CHRIST IS WATCHING AND RULES FOREVER                      

Psalm 2:1-3    

Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,

“Let us burst their bonds apart

and cast away their cords from us.”

After Psalm 1 spoke of two men, this next psalm expands to the behavior of the nations and their leaders, who have gotten together and rebelled against God. The people plot and scheme; their actions are against the LORD, and his anointed King. They are rebelling against the rules of God, as if the restrictions set by God are a curse, rather than the loving boundaries of a caring ruler.

Although for a time they seem to be able to live according to their own will, the LORD is far from indifferent!

Psalm 2:4-6

He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision.

Then he will speak to them in his wrath,

and terrify them in his fury, saying,

“As for me, I have set my King

on Zion, my holy hill.”

It is laughable that man would think he has a chance in rebelling against the LORD. God has chosen His King; no rebel will be able to escape His wrath. There are no earthly powers that can in any way thwart the decrees of God.

Psalm 2:7-9

I will tell of the decree:

The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have begotten you.

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,

and the ends of the earth your possession.

You shall break them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”

What a wonderful prophecy of the Messiah’s sovereign power! His power will have no boundaries and no rivals. The works of the Father and the Son have been decreed from eternity past.

It is certainly unwise for rulers to fail to heed this clear warning.

Psalm 2:10-12

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;

be warned, O rulers of the earth.

Serve the LORD with fear,

and rejoice with trembling.

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.

The wise kings will listen, fear God, and serve Him with joy and reverence. The wise will find refuge in the Messiah.

As we look at governments in our own times, and those who are in power, it may seem to us that they are in control; their rebellion and evil seem to be without restriction. But in truth, God is watching. And in His perfect timing, His wrath will come and Christ will reign.

It is interesting that many individual people, as well, think that they can rebel against God, presuming that He is indifferent to their rebellion. In contrast, men and women who are wise fear God; they listen to His Word; they repent of their sins, and submit to and honor their King.

We live in a world of rebellious people. May we avoid following their example, but rather, take refuge in our King. We know the end of the story. So let us rejoice in the final outcome and be patient, as God unfolds His sovereign will.