and the peoples plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against Yahweh, and against his Anointed,[a] saying,
3 “Let’s break their bonds apart,
and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens will laugh.
The Lord[b] will have them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his anger,
and terrify them in his wrath:
6 “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”
7 I will tell of the decree.
Yahweh said to me, “You are my son.
Today I have become your father.
8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance,
the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron.
You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore be wise, you kings.
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve Yahweh with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Give sincere homage to the Son,[c] lest he be angry, and you perish on the way,
for his wrath will soon be kindled.
Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 2:2 The word “Anointed” is the same as the word for “Messiah” or “Christ”
b. Psalm 2:4 The word translated “Lord” is “Adonai.”
c. Psalm 2:12 or, Kiss the son
TEXT: For kingship belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations (Psalm 22:28).
On this day when we remember Jesus' death on the cross, we often think of Him as the Victim. We think of His pain and agony, the enemies that taunted, mocked and ridiculed Him, as well as His bitter suffering and death for our sins.
But there is another side to Good Friday. It focuses on Christ as the great Victor. He is likened to young David, carrying only a sling and a few smooth stones to engage in a battle to the death against the giant Goliath, coated in heavy armor, standing behind his shield, arrogantly shaking his spear and sword.
On this day Jesus our King goes up all alone to battle to the death with the giant Satan, rattling his weapons of sin, death and hell. Jesus comes as the King and Defender of all nations. He stumbles along the road, beaten and battered. He carries no weapons, no shield, only the rough cross piece.
Our Hero looks weak, helpless, and easily defeated as He falls to His knees again and again, but in His suffering and death He crushes the serpent's head. He frees us from God's wrath, from dire punishments on earth and in hell.
At the end of the battle He stands alone-Satan, sin, death and hell have all fallen-vanquished, crushed, defeated. In three days He will rise from the grave in majesty and power, with complete and total victory. There can be no doubt-He truly is the King of Kings and Ruler over all the nations.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your great victory over all our enemies. Lead our celebration of that great deliverance as we await the day we will see You face to face-our victorious Warrior and King. Amen.
-------
Lutheran Hour Ministries
660 Mason Ridge Center
St. Louis, MO 63141
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment