Psalm 2 God’s Kingdom Rule

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.”

Waking up this morning to the sounds of thunder, a couple thoughts came to mind in light of this scripture

1)      The kingdoms of this world rage against God

2)      God’s power is awesome

3)      I’m not in control

First, In this passage it says that the nations conspire and the people plot in vain.  The kingdoms often roar and rage (like the sound of thunder) against God’s rule.  We can look at the desire for power in governments … the oppression and persecution of many people (especially Christians around the world) in many nations to see that this passage speaks the truth. 

Yet, secondly as much as it’s true that the kingdoms rage … God is in control.  The thunder reminds us of an incredibly powerful creator.   And as much as we might rage against The Almighty, God’s kingdom still goes forth.  And like Matthew 13:31-33 says  God’s kingdom may starts out as small as a mustard seed … it grows into a large tree where all those who come to submit to His rule find shade and protection.

Which brings me to the final focus… I’m not in control, so I need to trust God more.  We have a picnic worship service planned this Sunday at McLain State Park and I hope it does not rain and thunderstorm.   I will be praying to ask God for good weather … but I know I cannot control the weather.  Still, like the nations that conspire sometime I too rail against God’s rule over my life.  Thinking that if the chains are broken and I am able  to do whatever I want without God that I would be free.   When in reality it is not until I submit to God’s kingdom (which is much different than our kingdoms) that I find true freedom from my own desire to be in control.     

Questions to consider:
Do I trust that God is in control?
Am I submitting to or rebelling against God's rule?  And in what ways?   

(More to come on this Psalm which foretells of the Son as King… for below is the rest of the Psalm we will look at)

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^[b];
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.