Continuing an earlier devotion from the Messianic Psalm 2, we pick up today’s prophetic reading when the LORD, in response to the rebellion of the kings and inhabitants of the earth, not only laughs at their preposterous supposition they should rebel against the God of creation, but reveals His wrath against them (2:5).
Psalm 2:5 – Then shall he [the LORD] speak unto them [the kings and rulers of the earth] in his wrath [anger], and vex [trouble; dismay; alarm] them in his sore displeasure [burning anger; wrath].
The psalm continues with the LORD Jehovah revealing His plan to appoint His Son, Messiah, Christ the King, to rule the earth “with a rod of iron” (2:9).
Psalm 2:6-9 – Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion [a mountain upon which Jerusalem was built]. 7 I will declare [number; tell] the decree [statute; ordinance]: the LORD hath said [commanded; to tell] unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten [beget; bare; born] thee [i.e. according to Acts 13:33, this is a reference to Christ coming forth from the tomb]. 8 Ask [desire; require] of me, and I shall give [put; deliver] thee the heathen [nations; Gentiles] for thine inheritance [possession], and the uttermost parts [ends] of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break [hurt; afflict] them with a rod [i.e. like a shepherd’s rod] of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces [scatter; disperse] like a potter’s vessel.
We live in a day of God’s bountiful grace and mercy; however, God warns He has appointed a day when His wrath will be unleashed against the rebellious people of the earth. Peter warned the last days would be marked by a generation of “scoffers”, men who openly mock the God of Heaven, pursuing and enslaved to “their own lusts” (2 Peter 3:3); holding in derision those who look for the coming of the Lord and asserting nothing has changed from “the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:4).
Surely this is that generation, a generation that despises the God of Creation and is willfully blind to the handiwork of the Creator, Maker and Designer. They reject the revelation of God’s judgment against the antediluvian world of Noah’s day. They deny the evidences of the catastrophic judgment of the worldwide flood (2 Peter 3:5-6) and foolishly presume upon the grace of God that they shall escape the wrath of God (2 Peter 3:7). They mock the faith of believers who, after 2,000 years, continue to watch and wait upon the LORD’s coming; failing to understand that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8).
My friend, 2015 has passed into history and 2016 may be the year the LORD will return for His bride, the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Rather than fretting and worrying over the state of the world and wondering when the Lord will return; realize every day that passes without God’s judgment is a testimony of His grace and “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). As sure as the sun rose on the eastern horizon this morning, we are assured the Lord is coming and His judgment will prevail (2 Peter 3:10).
Psalm 2 concludes with a twofold message; verses 10-11 addresses kings and leaders of humanity; verse 12 is directed to all the inhabitants of the earth.
Psalm 2:10-11 – Be wise [understand; prudent; act wisely] now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed [disciplined; corrected; taught; warned], ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve [do; work; worship] the LORD with fear [dread; reverence], and rejoice [be glad; delight] with trembling [fear].
The leaders of the earth are admonished to be wise, teachable and serving the LORD with reverential fear knowing God will hold them accountable, not only for their rule, but also the influence they bear upon those entrusted to their care (2:10-11).
Psalm 2:12 – Kiss the Son, lest he be angry [displeasure; enraged], and ye perish [die; fall] from the way [journey; path], when his wrath is kindled [burns; consumed by fire] but a little. Blessed [Happy; i.e. prosperous] are all they that put their trust [confidence; hope; i.e. find refuge] in him.
We close today’s devotional thought with an exhortation and a promise of the LORD’s benevolent care. God’s people are exhorted to “Kiss the Son”, indicating the intimacy of the Lord’s company and find sanctuary in His good graces (2:12a). Finally, an abiding promise that those who put their faith, hope and confidence in the LORD are the benefactors of His love, grace and care: “…Blessed [Happy; i.e. prosperous] are all they that put their trust [confidence; hope; i.e. find refuge] in him” (2.:12b).
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith