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.”
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]

Lord,
The poet is talking to the Kings, to the rulers of the earth. He is talking directly to those who have power. He is calling all who live at the top of the heap to a profound accountability. “Serve the Lord with fear….or he will be angry and you will perish in the way for his wrath is quickly kindled.”

So Lord, what does it mean to “Serve the Lord with fear”? Does it mean, go to church and read your Bible? Does it mean, keep your zipper up? Does it mean, obey the law? How about, don’t use bad language? What does it mean to “serve the Lord with fear?”

Perhaps it means all of the above and more. I remember Amos, “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.” Micah said “Love justice, do mercy and walk humbly with your God.” I remember someplace in the Bible that says to look after widows and orphans and leave food in the fields for the hungry to eat. I remember Jesus’ story of the rich man who was sent to hell for ignoring the hungry man at his doorstep. In the story of the sheep and wolves, he sent to hell those who ignored the hungry and homeless and imprisoned.

Lord, I’ve wondered about your wrath but it seems that Jesus thought that you could be pretty severe with those whose hearts are cold and who refuse to attend to the pain in the neighbors’ lives. Hell is pretty severe!

But, the poet writes, “Happy are all who take refuge in him.” So, what is the connection between “taking refuge in him” and “serving the Lord?” No doubt, they are connected.

Lord, help me to serve you with love and awe and perhaps even trepidation. Help me to serve you in acts of worship and prayer and in deeds of kindness, mercy, love and justice. And when I succumb to the temptations of a culture that calls for simple selfishness and the idolatry of my own ego, forgive me.

And grant me a secure refuge in your presence and love. Bless me with your own safety and protection. Keep me close to you and grant me joy in your service.

Pray God’s special grace for friends and family who have particular needs.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “thank you” to God.

Amen

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