Anxiety and fear are everywhere in the world. People around the globe are not sure what is happening in their neck of the woods. The people of Taiwan think about China possibly invading when the Olympic Winter Games end. The Ukrainians are staring across three borders at Russian troops, the “bear” from the North described in Ezekiel. The Canadians have troubles. Their Prime Minister has invoked emergency powers that extend to freezing and seizing bank accounts for the protesters deemed to be non-compliant. Arrests have already begun for the leaders. What about Israel? It is common knowledge that Iran seeks a nuclear bomb. According to news reports for literally the last decade they have been securing the materials they need. Why? Perhaps the main reason is the annihilation of Israel. Israel already has nuclear capability, and they openly say they will not allow Iran to become a nuclear power. These are only a few of the countries around the globe whose people are troubled.
Psalm 2 is what the great John Phillips calls an “orphan” Psalm. What he means by this is we do not know the writer. He is unknown, but this Psalm is packed with promise for the people of God. It divides into stanzas just like the stanzas in a hymn book.
- Words from the Kings. We see in the first three verses the progression of the kings, the leaders of the nations. It begins with unrest, griping, and complaining (v.1). Most despots are dictatorial at their core. Most will not say that because they would not be elected in the beginning. But once in power and secured, the masks are removed. Ask yourself how many leaders you know of that are truly men and women with humility toward God? Very few, if any, call for obedience to God or national days of prayer. The next two verses tell us of open rebellion against God. They counsel with themselves against God. The focus: how can we break the bands and be free of God?
- Words from the Father are found in the next three verses. It begins with God laughing. All the conspiring in the world will not mean a thing. God is omnipotent. God is sovereign. He does as He chooses to do. When He sees the rebellion directed against His plan He simply laughs just as Samson laughed at the Philistines before his hair was cut. God gives them a promise. Some call verse 5 a threat. He will speak to them in wrath. We all know about the little ditty “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That saying is not true for us and it certainly is not true when it comes to the power of the words of God. Those very words spoken created the universe we inhabit. That is true power. The words from the Father in verse 6 closes with a promise. “Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill Zion.” Jesus is already in charge. He sits at the right hand of the Father now, but one day soon He will sit on this earth ruling and reigning with a rod of iron.
- Words about the Son (v.7-9). God declares He will rule. Every nation, every king, prime minister, president, and dictator along with any other title will be subjected to the Son of God. Those that rebel will be crushed like a piece of pottery tossed out the door. Remember this. No earthly man can be trusted with this type of power, only Christ. Lord Acton made the statement “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” He is right. No earthly man should have unbridled power over others. But Jesus can be trusted because of His righteousness. He does no wrong; He is incapable of doing wrong. All of the troubles and evils present with us will one day be made right.
- Words from the Spirit. The last three verses from this unknown writer, inspired by the Holy Spirit, give these potentates some instruction. It begins with an admonishment to be wise and listen. Are you listening now? Serve the Lord with fear, which means a sober reverence and being extremely respectful. He closes by saying, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and ye perish.” In eastern culture when approaching a king, often the subjects would bow and kiss the ring on his hand. That was an act of submission. The unknown Psalmist is telling these leaders, along with all who read this song, to bow before the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The final words found at the end of verse 12 closed with a statement about being blessed. Some today would use the word “happy” instead of blessed. I find myself using both. I like blessed because it is a word the Bible uses often. If we put our trust in Jesus, we can be happy, we can live blessed lives no matter the current events that surround us. I choose no earthly king. I love freedom and pray to the good Lord that our freedoms in America will continue. But I gladly bow before Jesus.