Applying The Psalms

Thoughts from Psalm 2

Folly in high places

“Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”  Psalm 2:1-3

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I’m not sure who first said those words but I do know that when humans are handed the reigns of authority, particularly authority to govern and punish a large group of people, things do seem to tend in the direction of corruption rather than righteousness. In that respect things have changed little from the time of the psalmist to our day and age.

It would do us all well to keep in mind that setting oneself against the stated will of God is the very height of corruption. Thus, when the rulers and lawmakers of our day, many of whom delight in speaking of their “faith” and how God and His will shapes their decisions, institute laws and dictates that are contradictory or opposed to the revealed will of God they are in essence saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

As an example of what I am speaking of consider the laws concerning the marriage of homosexuals. By the time my children graduate high school, I would not be in the least surprised were the “lawful marriage” of those who have chosen the path of homosexuality accepted in most, if not all, states. Many praise lawmakers who fight for these marriages as forward thinking, open-minded, and even godly. Sadly, godly is one thing they are certainly not for God’s will in the matter is quite clear (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Our duty to those who rule over us is clear from Scripture (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-15). It is God’s will that His children be in subjection to governing authorities for the principle of government was created and established by God Himself (John 19:10-11). However, when any human ruler, whether it be a single person or a body of people, steps across the line and begins to rage against the revealed will of God, you and I have a duty in that instance as well. It is a duty best explained by Peter in Acts 5:29.  “We must obey God rather than men.”

A Warning To The Wise

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.  Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.”  Psalm 2:10-12

When you think of the Christ, what comes to mind? Most followers of Christ think of His love and compassion, His sinless life and example, His great sacrifice for the sins of the world. Why wouldn’t Christians bring these things to mind upon hearing the wonderful name of the Savior? These characteristics provided the foundation for His actions and for our hope. How appropriately the Baptizer spoke of Him in John 1:29 when he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!”

“The Lamb of God.” What a tremendous image as one considers the types and figures of the Passover lamb meeting their fullest meaning in the Person of the Christ! Of course, the “Lamb of God” is certainly not the only designation for the Christ to be found in Scripture. Another designation, found in Revelation 5:5, is “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” That image depicts the Son as powerful and conquering. It is that image of the Son described for us in Psalm 2.

The Jesus of great might and strength, a powerful conqueror of all those who oppose Him, is frankly a Jesus the vast majority of us are not as comfortable with. While we thrill to speak of His love and compassion, we often find ourselves less inclined to speak of His justice and wrath. Generally speaking this Jesus is not received nearly so well by the masses and can cost a teacher a willing crowd in short order should this Jesus become too demanding and unyielding. “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” isn’t as soft on the ears as is “the Lamb of God.” He is the same Person, however. To accept one is necessarily to accept the other. To reject one is necessarily to reject the other. 

The only escape from the conquering and vengeful Son is refuge in Him. For those who reject Him, vengeance (2 Thessalonians 1:5-9). For those who accept Him, eternal life (Matthew 11:28-30). So, which Son do you intend to meet?