For September 2022, I’m trying to read and reflect – briefly – on a Psalm each day. I’ll read the Psalm, pray, and then ponder a few questions:
- What is this Psalm about?
- What does this Psalm teach about God?
- How does this Psalm connect to God’s people today?
I’ll close the post with a simple prayer, trying to draw the themes together.
For September 2nd, we move on to Psalm 2:
1 Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
8 Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
What is this Psalm about?
As I read this Psalm again, in a world with rulers and strong men, and a church obsessed with leadership, in a culture full of broken power, this Psalm speaks of contrast and truth. Verse 1-3 seems to describe much of what is going on today – leaders/influencers seeking to overturn God’s good design, seeking life without limits when in fact limitations are good. The Psalm goes on to see God, King of Kings, installing and enthroning a King completely different. As a Christian, this seems to me to be a Messianic Psalm, speaking of Jesus, and ending on an invitation to find refuge in Him.
What does this Psalm teach about God?
This Psalm clearly teaches that God is King over everything, and that this Kingship includes and comprises wrath and destruction, yet is not an emotional thing. God is one who rules and decrees – in contrast to us.
How does this Psalm connect to God’s people today?
This Psalm, I think, offers comfort to those of us particularly feeling out of sync with the cultural norms that seem constantly changing. It is also a reminder to us that whilst Jesus is our friend, lover and saviour, He is also our King, and this Kingship is divinely ordained and covering all things. A Psalm of comfort to God’s people.
A Prayer from Psalm 2
God, thank you that even in a world of storms, all is in your control. Thank you for putting Jesus over all power and authority, help us to come to Him, Kiss him, and live in obedience to him. Thank you that we can take refuge in you.
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