Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm pointing the reader, or singer, to the Messiah Jesus Christ. Quoted 7 times in the New Testament (Acts 4:24-28, Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 5:5, Revelation 2:27, Revelation 12:5, and Revelation 19:15), this Psalm seems mysterious when you read it.
What on earth is God talking about in Psalm 2?
Let’s walk through Psalm 2 together and see if we can unravel the mystery!
Man’s Rebellion
1 Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they say,
“and throw off their fetters.”
These verses reveal a uniting of evil that we can see in the world we live in. It is as if people think they can ignore God’s laws with no consequence and even set themselves above God.
“God is dead!” they chant. “We can do whatever we want!” they say. “God’s law is bondage–let’s throw off our chains.”
We are surrounded by people who lie, cheat, steal, kill innocent life, and take advantage of the poor. Not only do they sin, but they call good “evil” and evil “good”. It’s a frightening time!
This is the state of our heart before we come to Christ. It is also the state of the world–rebellious against the One True God.
Is God worried?
God’s Reply to Mankind’s Rebellion
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
The very idea that the mere creature can rise up and defy the Creator who holds the universe in the Palm of His Hand is ludicrous!
While His people may struggle with fear about the mounting evil, God only laughs.
God has set the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ on His Holy Hill! Nothing on earth or in hell can change God’s perfect purpose and plan! His Kingdom with King Jesus at the helm is unshakeable!
The Eternal Sonship of Jesus
7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will rule them with an iron scepter;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Here the palmist reveals the eternal Sonship of Jesus.
We see a huge clue!
God is hinting at the Incarnation (Eternal God becoming man) and the Resurrection (His triumph over hell and death).
These people who plot and scheme will be rescued or destroyed. Those who are rescued will be the possession of the Lord.
The Call to Reconciliation
10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Who can take refuge in the Son? The perfect ones? The righteous ones?
We kiss the Son to turn aside God’s anger. In other words, we the rebellious ones repent and surrender our lives to Jesus, experiencing rebirth.
We take refuge in Him so that we do not face the wrath of God that we deserve. What is beautiful is that all the rebellious ones can repent and believe. They have a choice to make. Continue in their foolish rebellion or turn to the True and Living God.
Kiss the Son!
“Kiss the Son lest He be angry,” it says in Psalm 2.
If you step back and look around at the world, no one seems very concerned with getting right with the Son born in Bethlehem. People mock Him, take their stand against Jesus. He certainly arouses anger. He cannot be mentioned in public gatherings or quoted in school. His authority is mocked and ridiculed.
And yet, Jesus still has all authority in Heaven and earth. Though the nations rage, one day they will give an account to the One who laid aside His glory and in humility, came to this dry, dusty planet to bring life to a people who were dying.
Christmas Challenge
So, this Christmas season, I challenge you to re-examine the claims of a Jewish Carpenter from Nazareth. Does anything good come out of Nazareth? Why yes, the only One who was good came forth from that little town that Jesus grew up in.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. If you have not searched for Him, then please call upon His Name. He will not turn away any who seek Him.
This Christmas, may the nations be His inheritance. May all the peoples bow before Him and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father.
Journal Your Christmas Journey
If we can slow down long enough, that is, to read, listen, think, and pray–we can experience God’s Presence in a deeper way this season. This devotional journal is a way to focus on the Christmas story through Scripture, paintings, and Christmas carols.
As you sing, listen, observe, or read, jot down those deep thoughts and meditations that come to your mind. Then record a brief prayer of thanks, adoration, or surrender.
From our home to yours, I wish you the merriest of Christmases!
Love,
Meredith Curtis
