Read
The Lord's Chosen King
1 Why do the nations plot,
and why do their people
make useless plans?
2The kings of this earth
have all joined together
to turn against the Lord
and his chosen king.
3They say, “Let's cut the ropes
and set ourselves free!”
4In heaven the Lord laughs
as he sits on his throne,
making fun of the nations.
5The Lord becomes furious
and threatens them.
His anger terrifies them
as he says,
6“I've put my king on Zion,
my sacred hill.”
7 I will tell the promise
that the Lord made to me:
“You are my son, because today
I have become your father.
8Ask me for the nations,
and every nation on earth
will belong to you.
9 You will smash them
with an iron rod
and shatter them
like dishes of clay.”
10Be smart, all you rulers,
and pay close attention.
11Serve and honor the Lord;
be glad and tremble.
12Show respect to his son
because if you don't,
the Lord might become furious
and suddenly destroy you.
But he blesses and protects
everyone who runs to him.
Reflect
As you read the Psalms, you’ll find many of them seem to be speaking of Jesus Christ. Although they were written hundreds of years before he came, they point forward to him.
Psalm 2 is like that. Actually, it’s about how the rulers of all the nations were getting ready to fight against God’s chosen king, David. But there is a deeper meaning in it. God’s true “King” is Jesus.
Today the world has many more rulers than just national rulers. We have “rulers” of industry, of science, of commerce, of education, of labour and what have you. Christ has few friends among them, just as in the old days (vv 1, 2). In fact, they look on Christ and his way as so many shackles to be cast off (v 3). Times haven’t changed.
How foolish these people look, when seen from heaven (v 4)! God has made his Son Jesus the rightful Lord of every part of human endeavour (vv 6-8); space programs, exploration, research projects, unions of nations – the lot. Leave Christ out of account and you’re headed for failure (vv 10-12).
You don’t touch all of life, but you do touch some of it. How can you help bring your part under Christ’s control?
Respond
Lord Jesus Christ, may that day soon come when your lordship will be recognized, all over the world. For your sake, Amen.
Tony Capon
Born in England, Tony served in the British Army in Germany 1945-48, then graduated from Cambridge University and Oak Hill Theological College London. He served as an Anglican priest in London and in 1956, Tony and his wife emigrated to Canada. There he served as Associate and President of Scripture Union. Later, as SU Co-ordinator for the Americas, he travelled widely in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean promoting the work of SU. From 1975 to 1978 he served as Director of Development at Wycliffe College, Toronto, and from 1978 to 1991 as Principal of Montreal Diocesan Theological College. He has just celebrated his 90th birthday!