When it looks like evil is winning Psalm 2

The nations of the world plotting against God Psalm 2 The nations of the world plotting against God Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’” Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

The Father’s response ⎯ laughter turns to anger Psalm 2 The Father’s response ⎯ laughter turns to anger Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’” Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

The Father’s Anointed speaks Psalm 2 The Father’s Anointed speaks Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’” Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

The Father’s prophet speaks words of warning and comfort Psalm 2 The Father’s prophet speaks words of warning and comfort Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’” Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

When it looks like evil is winning Psalm 2 What is the meaning of this psalm? Sometimes called a “royal psalm” One of the most quoted Psalms in the N.T. Some think that the psalm accompanied the coronation of kings. It is Messianic, and the apostles pointed to this text as being fulfilled in Jesus! (Acts 13:32-33; Heb. 1:5; Rev. 12:5)

When it looks like evil is winning Psalm 2 In these passages, then, we see that Jesus is the king reigning on God’s holy mountain. It is futile for men to imagine that they can defeat God’s purposes!

When it looks like evil is winning Psalm 2 This psalm was a source of great encouragement to the N.T. Christians in the face of adversity and powerful enemies! (Acts 4). In the same way, this passage became the hope of the Christians as they faced the later persecutions of Jerusalem and Rome. (Rev. 19:11-16).

When it looks like evil is winning Psalm 2 What is the message of Psalm 2 for us today? God is still in control, even when it appears to us that evil and wickedness are winning the day! No matter what Satan does; no matter how many earthly rulers plot together. Jesus His Son rules at His right hand and it is his purposes that will prevail.

When it looks like evil is winning Psalm 2 What is the message of Psalm 2 for us today? When the rulers of this world practice and promote evil they are engaged in a futile task, one they cannot ultimately win.  Those who oppose the purposes of God will ultimately suffer God’s wrath and punishment. Those who take refuge in the rule of Jesus Christ will ultimately be blessed!

When it looks like evil is winning “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”