A Life in Exile

We are blessed in this day and age to have the Bible, God’s Word, in our hands, on our phones, in songs, and in countless other ways to access the truth and teachings of our Lord and Savior. Unfortunately, increased access does not guarantee increased usage, knowledge, or reliance on the Word. In fact, we often forget his promises and commands, allowing the trials of this life to overshadow the victorious and abundant life granted by faith in Christ Jesus.

For this reason, today’s lesson from the Old Testament is crucial, as it speaks to the heart of our troubles. Where do we find this encouragement? In the Psalms.

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his Anointed One: “Let’s tear off their chains and throw their ropes off of us.”

The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them. Then he speaks to them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath: “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

I will declare the Lord’s decree. He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance and the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter; you will shatter them like pottery.”

So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your  rebellion, for his anger may ignite at any moment. All who take refuge in him are happy. (Psalm 2 CSB)

When the nations rage.

This beautiful psalm is first referenced by Peter and John during a time when both earthly and spiritual empires were raging against those who followed the Way. Earthly leaders had put to death the Lord’s Anointed, spurred on by Israel’s religious establishment. There was conspiracy and plotting, and on the face of it, they succeeded. Thankfully, we know God had the last laugh.

Still, following Jesus came at a cost. When Peter and John had the nerve to speak of the resurrected Christ within the Temple grounds, the Sadducees confronted them and had them arrested. With amazing boldness, we learn from Luke’s account in the book of Acts that the men spoke to the leaders and did not shy back in proclaiming the salvation found in Christ alone. Unsure of what to do, the men were warned and set free.

Peter and John immediately ran to other believers and told them what God had done. Here’s a snippet of the response of those who had been praying for them, quoting the first two verses from Psalm 2:

When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them. You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David your servant: Why do the Gentiles rage and the peoples plot futile things? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers assemble together against the Lord and against his Messiah.

“For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:24-31)

Because they knew this was the way of the world, they had no qualms to speak with boldness when confronted by worldly leaders. It was well known, from a psalm written centuries before Christ’s appearance, that he would be the source of plots, attacks, and conspiracies. What was their prayer as a result of these trials? More boldness!

Christ is supreme.

While the nations rage and leaders actively work against Christ and the ministry he has given his people, the psalmist tells us that the One enthroned in heaven laughs. God is not surprised at these antics; he is not worried. These same nations are the inheritance the Son will receive.

The Son is exalted by the Father, and he reigns over all rulers and authorities. The relationship between God the Father and the Son was made known during Christ’s time on earth, but it should have been nothing new to those who knew Scripture. Paul preached from Psalm 2, when he was in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:33) and the writer of Hebrews refers to Psalm 2:7 twice in showing the supremacy of Christ (Hebrews 1:5 and 5:5).

Because Christ is supreme as the beloved Son of the Father, every knee will bow when he comes into his glorious kingdom.

Let the rulers be warned.

The supremacy of Christ has been made known from the beginning, and his followers should be encouraged by knowing the story, beginning to end, and filled with boldness. While Christians are emboldened by this news, rulers are warned and encouraged to be wise.

Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for his anger may ignite at any moment. (Psalm 2:11-12)

We already see what happens to rulers who reject the Son and who turn against God and his Chosen people. It’s easy to see what happened to Rome and many who followed the same path. I pray world leaders today will heed the warning and turn to the Son before it’s too late.

Even as the nations rage, we, in Christ, are at peace, knowing that “all who take refuge in him are happy.” Don’t let the raging nations hinder your boldness in proclamation of the Son and the salvation he brings. We serve the One who has already won the battle.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Learning from the Past post, click HERE, or start the series from the BEGINNING.