If the first psalm answers the question of who God blesses, the second answers the question of how He blesses.
Pathetic plotters
Read Psalms 2:1
• Who are these people, and who are they plotting against (v 2)?
• What are they plotting to do (v 3)?
• What does the psalm writer appear to think about their plans (v 1)?
The “blessed” person of Psalm 1 loves the LORD and delights in everything He does and says (Psalm 1 v 2). But here are people who hate the rule of God, and despise His anointed King. They can think of nothing better than to get away from Him.
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TIME OUT
The first singers of Psalm 2 were likely thinking of the nations that David had conquered in his remarkable string of victories. But as well as being descriptive, the psalms are also prophetic. They are songs about Jesus and His eternal reign.
Read Philippians 2:9.
• Who do verses 2 and 3 of Psalm 2 refer to today?
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What makes God laugh?
Read Psalms 2:4
• How does God react to the nations’ plan (v 4)?
• What will God do to the plotters?
• Why is the King of v 6 unbeatable?
A king of God’s people, Israel, might have risen to power because of his fighting skill, courage, or popularity. But no one
was in any doubt about who put him there. He was God’s king—His anointed one (literally, His “Messiah” or “Christ”). God chose him. God established him.
And so to oppose the king and his rule is to oppose God Himself. The kings of the earth may look impressive in their united
opposition; until we look at who they are standing against—God, and His King. Then they look rather puny, and their plans rather futile. It’s not surprising the writer asks: Why would you do that? Why would you oppose God?!
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PRAY
Read Philippians 2 v 9-11 again.
Jesus is God’s ultimate Christ. God has established Him; nothing can change that. We may feel intimidated by the arguments and the confidence of those who actively oppose or simply ignore Christ. But their plotting and scheming are futile. And one day they will know it.
Pray for faith in God’s control and victory. Pray that you would truly believe today that “Jesus is Lord”.
Pray that those you know who reject Christ would bow the knee joyfully to Him now before they bow the knee before Him in terror.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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