Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
“I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:
He said to me, “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 a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
~Psalm 2
Key Verse: “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” Psalm 2:8
Psalm two describes the rebellion of the nations against God. As we read throughout the scriptures, Jesus is the King of Kings, and never loses control of the situation. From heaven, God sends his Son to reign over the nations of the earth. His power, wrath, and glory are unrivaled.
Jesus is building an eternal kingdom by redeeming anyone who will follow Him. To redeem means to buy back, and God purchased our salvation and paid the penalty of our sins through Jesus’ shed blood on the cross. God’s Son died so that people from every nation will be represented in heaven. The nations are His inheritance; Jesus reigns now and is using His people to spread the gospel.
How can you align with God and His global purposes? Don’t just be a spectator: you were made to participate in God’s most significant work! Consider one of these four options in redeeming the nations: 1) Go on a missions trip and share the good news about Jesus with people who don’t know Him. 2) Begin to pray for other nations, books like Operation World are very helpful. 3) Intentionally welcome people from other countries into your home as you share God’s love 4) Invite international students to your church.
Leave a Reply