He Just Laughs
He Just Laughs
Scripture: Psalm 2
2 Why do the nations
rage
and the peoples plot
in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take
counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their
cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them
in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in
his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy
hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord 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,
and rejoice with
trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and
you perish in the way,
for his wrath is
quickly kindled.
Blessed are
all who take refuge in him.
Devotion:
The
second psalm is one of my favorites in the book of psalms. The Psalm describes
the coronation of God’s king (Jesus) on that final day. It is a picture of how
self-important rulers of the world think they are. They draw up plans to defeat
God. Confident in their ability to prevail against the God who created the
entire universe. They do not acknowledge it, but God has created these Kings
and their generals. Humankind has always been in rebellion against God. (Aside
from a few blessed moments in the Garden of Eden) The nations seek to be free
from what they see as Gods rule and authority.
What is God’s reaction to
these foolish people who would rule the universe in place of God? God laughs
and mocks their plans. The Hebrew words used here are make merry, joke around
for laughter. And derision is mocking contempt. If the human race would stop
creating their futile plans for a moment, they would see how foolish a position
they are in. The creature overthrows the creator. How foolish!
It would be good for humankind to look in a mirror for a
while and notice our own powerlessness in comparison to the power and majesty
of God. Against the plans of humankind God issues decrees that since God is the
creator of the universe come true as He speaks to them. God places His Son on the
throne where he will (except for a brief sojourn on earth) rule the universe
forever.
The final stanza practically begs us humans to be wise
and follow the ways of the Son. No one can withstand His anger. Our culture
today is engaged in full on rebellion against God. We do not follow his ways or
pay attention to his decrees. While climate change may not destroy the earth in
a few short years it will only take a few seconds of God’s wrath to reduce us
to cinders and ashes. Psalm 2 gives us clear warning and prescription against
our own destruction. Will we hear and obey in time only God knows?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for having mercy against us thus far in
our journey. We confess that we have not lived our life in the way you would
have us to do. Teach us how to repent properly for our sins and be open to your
reign and rule in our lives. Be with our leaders as they try to guide us in
your way. Do not forsake your people. Have mercy on us. Lead us beside the
still waters and restore our soul. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment