Psalm 2 reminds me of an article I read recently that indicated the number one song played at funerals today is “My Way”, by Frank Sinatra. Apparently a number of people like to live their life as if they answer to no one. The psalm pictures how some of us behave as if we are dictator of our own nation. Sadly, everything we do has an effect on others. I wonder how many people attending the funeral have more than a few regrets. Like it or not, we are all subject to a higher authority. The psalm begins, “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One“. It seems like most people that say “Let us break their chains and throw off their fetters” to do what they want, escape into self destructive behavior. Most people that are “doing their own thing” become takers. Takers feel entitled to other people’s stuff. It says of those “kings”, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them“. I think many people, in an effort to run from God’s standards, run into real bondage. Sometimes that bondage comes with real consequences. If we fail to notice the warning signs, we can end up opposing God. “Then He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath“.
What is the option? The psalm continues, explaining who this Anointed One is. “I have installed My King on Zion. I will proclaim the decree of the Lord“.But God adds,”You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance. You will rule them with an iron scepter“. God’s Anointed is the Lord, Jesus. Friend, here is the good news. According to Ephesians 1:5-7, “In love Hepredestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will to the praise of His glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace“. This means God’s offer is adoption, not servitude. We don’t become slaves in God’s field; we become sons and daughters in His family. This is the key to having real joy in our life. Anyone that feels trapped in a fake existence, simply going through the motions is probably serving God out of obligation rather than gratitude. Obligation creates contempt and ultimately, bitterness. In contrast loving gratitude creates a limitless desire to please. Which one describes you?
The psalm ends with a final word to all of us kings ruling our own little kingdom with little regard for God. “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son… Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Jesus said something important to those that heard Him teach. Like today, many then thought He was a good moral teacher. But He gave a definite choice. Accept His sinless sacrifice and be forgiven, or do it your own way and stand before God trusting in your own goodness. Interestingly, according to the article, the second most common funeral song is AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Which road will you choose?