God Is Watching
Opening Prayer
Pray for the meetings of world leaders that will take place this year. Ask that they grasp the advice in vs. 10,11.
Read Psalm 2:1-12
[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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How does God react to the opposition of rulers?What is the point of conspiring against almighty God? That it is very wicked and dangerous is made abundantly clear in Genesis. Here, the psalmist plainly sees it as ridiculous as well. With the benefit of hindsight supplied through the Scriptures, we are allowed a glimpse of the true perspective on human plotting and rebellion. We can see God looking down serenely from heaven on the nations, as he does also on the empire-builders of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) and on our own pathetic grumbles and complaints nowadays. How silly we must look! We believe that this psalm is both a description of David’s rightful place as God’s anointed king and also a prophecy of Jesus’ eventual coming to rule us all. Some Christians find it hard to picture Jesus as a fearful ruler, shown here with an iron scepter. We find it easier to think of Jesus as our gentle friend, but the Lord is actually both. The Trinity will always be a reality beyond our comprehension. Within it, however, Jesus can be both humble Savior and mighty Lord because–as in this psalm–his authority is affirmed by his Father.
Apply
Read v. 11 again and reflect on how you might apply it to your daily life.
Closing prayer
King Jesus, keep me from any rebellion against You, intentional or unintentional. I want to serve You always.
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