Psalm 2

Psalm 2 (NRSV)
1 Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Lord,
Who are you? Derisive laughter and wrath and fury, is this the core of your character? Surely there is more. I know there is more. You are not defined by your eagerness for revenge on those who wrong you.

This poet knew that you had adopted him, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.” What a relationship! I like the personal relationship. I would like to that close to you.

But Lord, I don’t know this poet; maybe David or maybe somebody else. But I do know another one who was your son, begotten of you. He is Jesus the Christ. My O my, the differences; this poet fully expected you to be is champion in battle. He expected to be king to “the ends of the earth.” He expected you to help him “break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Jesus, on the other hand, refused to take up the sword. He taught us to bless our enemies rather than curse them. He taught us the way of peace. And instead of dashing his enemies like pieces of pottery, Jesus submitted to the Roman executioner’s cross.

My confession is that there are days when I would prefer you to be the God of this poet rather than the God revealed in Jesus. Fear surges, anger swells, bitterness rises up, hatred explodes and I would like for you to destroy those who torment me. Forgive me.

Take me back to Jesus and I will trust him to take me directly into your heart. Take me to Jesus and he will teach me your character and way. Take me to Jesus and he will give me the deeply personal relationship with you that I so eagerly desire.

Pray God’s blessings for those you know who need grace in special ways.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and give thanks to God.
Amen.



10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling 12 kiss his feet,a
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
[1]
a Cn: Meaning of Heb of verses 11b and 12a is uncertain

[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989