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.