Dear Disciple,
I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Psalm 2:7-9
The One to whom you have surrendered and have bowed your knee in submission is the rightful ruler of all things. Though the earthly rulers of the nations may wish to be free of His authority, God is not concerned about their plots and conspiracies (vv. 1-3). Actually, He “laughs” and “scoffs” at their foolish arrogance from His unassailable throne in Heaven (v. 4). Though many deride and sneer at the living God, the resurrected Lord, and His people, nothing can change the truth that all authority belongs to the Father and the Son He has appointed to rule at His right hand.
The verses above about the Messiah’s sonship to God and His “rod of iron” are quoted in the Revelation three times, for there we see this promise played out in John’s vision of what is to come. The One who was gentle and lowly riding into Jerusalem on a donkey nearly two thousand years ago will indeed return, but then He will come on a charger of war to overcome the enemies of God and of His people (see Revelation 19).
In this Psalm, the kings of the earth are counseled to be wise and show honor to the King’s chosen One. The promise is that those who take refuge in Him will be blessed (v. 13), but the warning is that those who refuse to honor Him will be destroyed (v. 12). Take heart, for you have chosen wisely in loving and honoring Him. You have been embraced by the kindness and graciousness of God through the Son. His power and authority are directed toward your good and your best. What have you to fear? As the psalmist wrote elsewhere,
“In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:4
This truth in Psalm 2 can be one of hope, confidence, and joy for you today, Disciple. Your Father is King, and the One who desires your best is able to accomplish it. As you trust and obey Him and His co-ruling Son, you may have to suffer at the hands of those who wield earthly power, but even that will mean ultimate triumph for you (see Matthew 5:10-12 & Revelation 2-3)! They are only “mere mortals” after all.
Conspire today, Disciple, not with those who resent God’s rule, but with those who rejoice in it. Conspire with other disciples of Jesus to advance His kingdom and promote His glory in this dark world. Shine brightly the light that has been born in you from above as you live in love, generosity, compassion, and selflessness. Serve humbly as your Master did in His mortal coming so that you may rule gloriously with Him at His immortal coming.
Celebrating His reign with you,
Ryan
