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. Meditation God rules, and His sovereign grace invites everyone to come and find rest under His reign. Burger King’s new jingle ends with the refrain, “You rule!” And is titled “I rule the day.” Interestingly, BK does not give free refills on fries or whopper patties when requested… I guess I do not rule after all. Today’s song celebrating God’s sovereignty diagnoses the rebellion of humanity seeking to rule, reveals God’s reaction, shares the reality of God’s rule, and guides us in a wise response. Rebellion (1-3) is humanity seeking to throw off God’s rule, “taking counsel together against the Lord’s anointed.” Rebellion against the Lord leads to ruin, empty promises leading to an empty life. Reaction of God (4-6) is a laugh, like a father who is threatened by a three-year-old. The attempt to overthrow His sovereignty is laughable. The Lord has already set His king on the throne. God rules! Reality (7-9) is the Song of God, Jesus the Messiah, reigning over the nations and possessing the ends of the earth. This already reality may not always seem to be the case, but our perception and experiences do not change the truth. Jesus is, right now, on the throne (Revelation 21:5). Response (10-12) is clear. Worshippers serve the king, rejoice, and honor His authority by recognizing The Lord is King forever (Psalm 10:16), He sets up and removes kings of the earth (Daniel 2:21), Jesus rules over all that is seen and unseen (Colossians 1:15-23), and the kingdoms of this world will one day become the Kingdom of our God (Revelation 11:15). Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you from the Psalm most, the rebellion, Divine reaction, reality, or our response. Why? -Where do you believe the lie that you rule, or where do you fear the perceived rule of people who raise their fist against God’s rule? -Abraham Kuyper said in his inaugural address at the dedication of the Free University in Amsterdam, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” How is your work, relationships, use of time and money, etc., different if this exalted rule of Jesus is true? Where do you need to find restoration under His beneficial rule? Be specific. Key Verse 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” Comments are closed.
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AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa & together they have four adventurous children. |