The Reign of Christ
Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
Thus begins Psalm 2. We like to find Christ in all the Psalms, but there are some that speak more directly of Jesus than others. Psalm 2 is one of those Psalms. It doesn’t just point to Jesus; Jesus jumps off the page! Acts 4:25–26 quotes Psalm 2 in direct reference to Jesus, as does Hebrews 1:5. Without question, this Psalm must be understood in the context of the person of Jesus. In precise literary style, this Psalm divides itself nicely into four parts, each consisting of three verses. We will look at it in this way.
Section 1, verses 1-3. The Authority of the Lord and His Anointed.
“Why?!” is the first word and sets the tone for the entire Psalm. The nations rage and peoples plot! Kings and rulers join forces against the LORD and his Anointed. That it is “against the LORD” is perplexing enough. Somehow these kings believe that if they simply band together they can muster the strength and force needed to successfully rebel. There is no fear of the Lord amongst these kings. But the passage is clear; it is also against “his Anointed.” Recall David’s interaction with Saul. In 2 Samuel 24:6, David states, “The LORD forbid that I put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.” David understood that fighting the LORD’s anointed is really fighting against God himself. Even though the kingdom had been promised him and Saul was trying to kill him, David’s fear of the Lord triumphed over personal gain. These plotting kings failed to comprehend this.
Not only do these kings have no fear of the Lord, but it begs other answers for our question “Why?!” In Ecclesiastes we learn that a vain thing is to do something that is useless, something that doesn’t have any purpose or meaning. It is a foolish effort because it is impossible to accomplish, and wrong to even consider. And what is the reason for this revolt? Has God shown himself to be cruel and unjust? Has God shown himself to be untrustworthy and unmerciful? Is there any benefit? Will it makes them more powerful? Rich? Famous? The answer is “No!” So why are they even trying? On many levels the Psalmist correctly asks, “Why?!”
Before we get too smug in our opinions, remember that our US foundational document is the Declaration of Independence. We have a history of rebellion ourselves. Our Constitution tells us we have the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. We often associate kings with tyrants and dictators who suppress our freedoms. A famous actor/singer (Frank Sinatra) from a generation or two ago sang what was, in essence, his theme song later in his life. It became very popular because it resonated with the thinking of many Americans. Look up the lyrics sometime; you know the refrain: “I did it my way.”
Oh, the arrogance of these words! Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” This is the sin of pride and idolatry, and unfortunately it is a thinking far too prevalent in the Western Church. Perhaps we are not too far away from the kings in this passage.
Section 2, Verses 4-6. The Position of the Lord and His Anointed
“He who sits in heaven laughs.” It is derisive laughter. It is puzzled laughter. It is frustrated laughter. Psalm 24 states, “The earth is the LORD’s and the fulness therein.” God is the creator and sustainer of all life. He is not just the god of the land, sea, harvest, etc. He owns it all! Note that God is “sitting.” He’s not pacing. He’s not biting his nails. He’s calm. His authority is secure regardless of what these kings say, do, or plot. So, God laughs. Not just laughing, but because of his authority and position, he is able to declare consequences and judgments. God speaks in Isaiah 66:1, reminding us that “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” These rebellious kings are ignoring God’s authority and position. God is also active in establishing the reign of his Anointed. His authority and his position allow him to establish who HE wants as King.
Section 3, Verses 7-9. The Identification of the Lord’s Anointed
Acts 4:23-31, using Psalm 2 as the context, brings out several important facets:
God has given the nations over to his Anointed.
God’s Anointed One has absolute power to reign.
There is no limit to the reign of his Anointed.
Jesus is his Anointed One.
Countless passages in the New Testament bear witness to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah. Do a quick review of the times Jesus was said to have had “authority” in the gospels. This is why after the resurrection, Jesus himself could testify as he was ascending into heaven, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). And it is why he continued the pronouncement with this command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19, 20). The apostles gave credit to Jesus, God’s Anointed, when they performed miracles, spoke boldly, and received the Holy Spirit in Acts. In addition, Hebrews 1, also quoting Psalm 2, specifically relates “You are my Son” to Jesus.
Section 4, Verses 10-12. Response to the Lord and His Anointed
The Psalm concludes in a straightforward manner. Having established that God and his Anointed have all authority, that God and his Anointed have the power to exact righteous judgment, and that Jesus is God’s Anointed One, there is a call to a response. Therefore, be wise. Be warned. Serve the Lord with fear. Kiss the Son—a sign of subjugation and respect. This is the only logical and reasonable response to have.
Conclusion
One of the more interesting passages in the New Testament concerns a Centurion who had a servant needing healing (Luke 7:1-10). He requested that Jesus heal his servant, yet did not presume upon the Lord to come to his house to perform the healing. The Centurion understood authority and knew Jesus’ authority extended to merely speaking and it would be done. Jesus was both pleased and impressed with his understanding. We also see a radical shift within the apostles when they grasp the authority of Jesus. This authority completely changes our thinking and transforms our actions.
Missions can be daunting. We go to a foreign land, to a foreign language and culture, and try to win others to a foreign faith in a Jew who lived 2,000 years ago. Why? So they, too, can be submissive to the reign of King Jesus. I love the way the Psalm ends simply and straightforwardly, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
The author, Kelly M., spent over 30 years as an Army chaplain and now operates a retreat center for the refreshment of pastors and missionaries in Monument, CO. He lives with his wife of 38 years, Judy, and two energetic Vizslas, Blue and Hank.