The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed.

Psalm 2 is thought of as a poetic reflection on 2 Samuel 7 where King David is told by the prophet Nathan that his son Solomon would be the one who would build the temple.

Various places in the New Testament quote this psalm in relation to Jesus: Mark1:11 at his baptism; Mark 9:7 at the transfiguration, Paul preaching in Pisidian Antioch in Acts 13:33 and in Hebrews 1:5 & 5:5.

The psalm gives a strong sense that God is at work in the world ‘putting things right’ even when people, and particularly world leaders, would scheme to have their own way.

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.

New International Version – UK (NIVUK)

Prayer

Lord as I look at the things that are going on in the world, and in particular the lack of truthfulness and integrity of some key world leaders I am left wondering what on earth is going on?

How is it that people think that lies will not be shown up for what they are and conspiracies will not be exposed?

Lord you are the source of all authority and power, help the current leaders of the world to understand that you are king and that even when it appears to them that they are ‘getting away’ with their schemes, they will be answerable to you in the end.

Please help your people not to be deceived but to stand up for righteousness and truth. Through the resurrection you have established Jesus as king. Thank you that He is head over all things.

Lord, in the midst of the turmoil that is going on in the world please help me to know that my refuge is in you and not in my own strength or understanding.

Thank you Lord that ultimately all evil has been defeated by you