Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God],
And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?
The kings of the earth take their stand;
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the Lord and His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break apart their [divine] bands [of restraint]
And cast away their cords [of control] from us.”
Psalms chapter two is often referred to as the “The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed.” It can be read within a historical context or a prophetic context. Historically, this passage speaks of the conflict between King David and the Philistines. This story can be found in I Chronicles 14:8-17 and also in II Samuel 5:18-25.
Prophetically, it paints a beautiful picture of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Paul confirms this, some 800 plus years later, when he writes to the early Christians, “And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.” (Acts 13:32-33)
Understanding this two-fold meaning of Psalms 2, I wonder if it has any relevance to my life, today. After all, that’s why I find myself searching the scriptures, because I want the promises of his word to be real in my life. Yes, God’s word is ancient, but it’s amazing how often the passages I’ve read, many times over, bring something fresh and new to my heart. His word is alive, and I love God for that!
Verses 1-3 speaks of a gathering of enemies who band together in order to bring harm to God’s anointed. It’s not just any ole enemy, but rather the “big dogs”…”the kings and rulers of the the land.”
The above scene brings to mind, Ephesians 6:12. In this passage Paul tells us about our enemies (our “big dogs”) and reminds us that “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
And so, we spiritually stand, just as King David, before the enemies of our lives. This war we face is not against the people of this world, but rather against fear, brokenness, loneliness, heartbreak, regret, guilt, shame and any other principality that threatens to steal our peace. All of these have the potential to bring us helpless to our knees. What can we do in the face of such great enemies? I’ve tried to conquer them within my own strength but when I do I always end up defeated and sick with worry. I’ve come to realize there’s nothing I can do.
We can do nothing, but God can, and He will! He’s proved this over and over again in my life. Most of the time, it’s not an easy fix, but he always gives me the grace I need to go through the trial.
He has the armor we need and bids us saying, “…and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” (Ephesians 6:13-17)
My Prayer: Lord, here I am…again… brokenhearted, filled with fear, guilt and shame. As hard as I try to shake these feelings, they still haunt me. Lord, you promised your truth would set me free, so, God, fill me with the truth of your righteousness, the truth of your peace, and the truth of your salvation. Strengthen my faith through your Word. Lord, I am weak, but you are strong. I put my trust in you. Amen.
Redhead Reflections 