August 6

The Coming Kingdom

“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery.” Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. — Ps 2:6-12 BSB

This powerful psalm speaks of the reign of Christ. No king from David’s line ever fully lived up to its ideal, but the psalm looks forward to the reign of the Messiah, as referenced in the New Testament (Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5).

The psalm has four sections of three verses each. In Psalm 2:1-3, the nations are shown conspiring and rebelling against the authority of God, exercised through His Messiah. A widespread rebellion is brewing.

In Psalm 2:4-6, the absurdity of humanity’s rebellion is emphasized. The Almighty’s laughter at these futile attempts is contrasted with the sorrow of Jesus as He wept over Jerusalem. Human resistance can never change God’s purposes. As the saying goes, the hammer cannot break the anvil.

In Psalm 2:7-9, the Messiah reveals His special relationship with God and asserts His universal authority. Though the Divine Sonship was always true, it was publicly declared by the Resurrection (Romans 1:3-4). As Christ ascended to His throne, He claimed all power in heaven and on earth. His rule is built not only on His divine glory but also on His suffering and sacrifice. “He became obedient to death, even death on a cross… therefore God highly exalted Him.”

In Psalm 2:10-12, the psalmist urges the rebellious to embrace wisdom and submit to God’s will. It’s foolish to try to oppose God’s plan. Instead, accept the outstretched hand of Jesus, who offers love and forgiveness. Take refuge in Him before the judgment comes (Revelation 6:16-17).

Prayer

Behold, You command me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Grant me the grace to fulfill Your command, and command what You will. Amen.