“What in the World is Going On?” (part 3)
Psalm 2: 7-12
As we noted, in closing Part 2, God was certainly not pleased with the leadership, conduct nor attitude of the rulers in the Middle East in King David’s time. However, reflecting on the psalm as a whole, the Lord’s concern with national leaders was not limited to those in that region alone – nor in that era.
The several references throughout the passage – such as, “nations”, “earth”, “kings of the earth”, etc. – indicate that the raging and rebellion was worldwide. Further, the clear message from on high is that these conditions will persist until there is a universal recognition and submission to the one King whom God has set in place (vs. 6).
Hear the word of the Lord through Moses: “Therefore, know this day and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on earth beneath, there is no other” (Deuteronomy 4: 39). And again, from the prophets Isaiah and Habakkuk, “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14).
Following the stinging rebuke of the rulers of that day, David records a brief, but very profound, portion of a conversation between God the Father and God the Son. In it, the Father affirms, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You” (vs. 7). We are here reminded that the King who has been set upon the holy hill of Zion (vs. 6) was not placed there by men nor was it seized by His own power. He has been eternally present with His Father, being begotten – not created – from all eternity. He has no beginning nor ending but ever lives in the eternal “today”. David speaks of Him further in Psalm 24: “The earth is the lord’s and all its fulness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters … Lift up your heads …. and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory” (vss. 1, 2, 9, 10).
The Father then declares the authority of His King saying, “Ask of Me and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance and the ends of the earth for Your possession” (vs. 8). These words certainly did not apply to King David since he never ruled over the Gentiles (nations) nor any region beyond the borders of Israel.
This King will have supreme authority to judge and destroy those who would refuse, reject, and rebel against His kingdom and reward those who would be trustworthy and loyal. Jesus said, “The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son … has given Him authority to execute judgement … because He is the Son of Man” (John 5: 22,27). And again, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:19).
Turning again to these earthly kings (of any time and place) who provoke fear and chaos in their world, the Lord opens the door of repentance and hope. To those who would turn to Him with broken and contrite hearts, He sets before them the path to His Kingdom. (This path is not only for kings, rulers, and leaders but for every person who desires to inherit eternal life.)
His word is simple, sure, and strong as He speaks to each one directly:
“Serve the Lord with fear (yiran – exceeding reverence) and rejoice with trembling (rawad – intense shuddering)” (vs. 11). These words are filled with much feeling, not an out-of- control frenzy, but true emotion, enthusiasm, and energy. Service to God is not meant to be apathetic, cold, or routine. St. Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).
“Kiss the Son, (naw-shak – touch, attach, commune with) lest He be angry, and you perish in the way” (vs. 12). As you know, the Son has life within Himself. His divine power can be– and many times has been – passed on to the ill, blind, lame, and dead through His touch, His word and His presence. Likewise, He called people to abide (meno -remain, dwell) in Him (John 15:4), clothe themselves with Him (Romans 13:14), partake of His body and blood (John 6:56), be crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20) — that we may be one with Him.
“Blessed (eh-sher – happy) are all those who put their trust in Him” (vs. 12). This word, happy, is too often emptied of its true meaning. It is used to describe pleasure, thrills, personal gratification, material wealth, etc. – you know that. The New Testament counterpart is “makarios” which speaks of a heavenly exaltation and inner joy which cannot be shaken nor quenched by disappointments, adversities nor tribulations in this life. This state of blessedness has its origin in the divine love and favor of God. We must note that, many times, those who are blessed do not appear to be “happy” to the world about them. For example, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). Jesus used the word nine times in delivering the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-11). He then concluded with a summary, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (vs.12). This happiness is the reward for those who put their trust in Him; who believe in Him as King and God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5).
Summarizing: when the kings/ rulers/ leaders of the nations of the world begin to look to the one eternal King of glory – to serve Him with reverential worship, to abide in Jesus through His humanity and partake of His divine nature, and trust in Christ for all that pertains to life and godliness – then we may begin to see “the creation itself delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21).
Yes, in David’s time and throughout the generations to follow, humanity has had to suffer when ungodly rulers have kept the nations in an uproar. As Christians, we pray for and obey the civil authorities, but obedience to God comes first. When the two are in conflict, the Christian must follow God and be willing to accept the consequences, following in the footsteps of the Apostles when threatened, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Since “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3: 17) and Jesus “was the true Light who gives light to every man who comes into the world” (John 1:9), and He said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), the work is not finished until every nation (leader and people) acknowledge Jesus Christ as King and Lord.
In his vision on the island of Patmos, St. John heard the song heard before the throne of Jesus, the Lamb: “You are worthy …. For You were slain and You have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9).
Yes, there is coming a day, as St. John foresaw the vision of the Holy City coming down out of heaven and the throne of the King, “And the nations of those who were saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honor into it” (Revelation 21: 2, 22-24).
“In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16: 33).
All glory be to Jesus Christ.
Fr. Andrew and Kh. Dannie
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