The Lord’s Decree
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are the great prize of my life. I give all to have only You.
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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What are the characteristics of this King?The thing about mountains is, they don’t move. Geologists will be quick to tell us that they do in fact grow or shrink by fractions of millimeters every year. But to most of us, mountains are symbols of enormous strength, permanence and beauty; they provide and give some of the most wonderful views it is possible to see on this earth.It is on a mountain that God has installed his King (6). And he has decreed that this king will rule the nations across the world (8)–but, more than that, his king will be to them like an iron bar is to pottery (9). There simply is no contest. Too often we side with the world in this fight. We compromise our faith in order to fit in. We treat God’s way of life as if it were shackling us (3), instead of releasing us to live as we were made to. Yes, the world opposes God and his people (1,2), and it always will. But God will win in the end. Why join with the losing side when you can take refuge in the Son (12)?
Apply
Look at your life and ask yourself: How do I oppose God by my action or inaction? Turn from this.
Closing prayer
Creator, You create out of nothing. Come and make something beautiful out of me.
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