“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.’” Psalm 2:2-3
Devotion:
The anger of the nations runs deeper than mere competition between themselves. Beneath their conflicts with each other lies a more profound issue with God’s authority. The entire world is set against God—a paradox of being created by Him. We all, whether consciously or not, long for God and, due to our sin, also harbor a natural animosity toward Him.
Particularly, what we despise is the reality that God rules over us, and by virtue of our creation, we owe Him reverence, love, and obedience. We resist the idea that we can’t do whatever we want or be in charge. Thus, if we could, we would cast off God’s authority.
Psalm 2 also references God’s Anointed or Messiah—a prophecy of the entire world coming against Jesus, condemning, and crucifying Him. When Jesus entered the world, His very presence threatened those in power. Since He is God, Jesus possessed genuine authority, frustrating the established order. Instead of submitting to Him, they chose to kill Him. However, they failed to realize that God was working salvation for the world through their sinful actions. This is our God–He sovereignly reigns and He sovereignly saves.
Prayer:
Sovereign Lord, we all know the powerful desire to cast off Your authority attempting to rule our own lives. But we confess that to live apart from You is broken and deformed. Heal our hearts to love Your authority. To desire it and seek to submit to it.
When we see how You sovereignly worked to bring about salvation through the sins committed against Jesus, it makes us want to trust You more. Your plan is good and perfect. You alone are wise enough, gracious enough, and just enough to exercise ultimate authority in our lives. As You consume our hearts, we humbly and gladly submit to You. Lead us in Your way, Father. In Jesus’ name, we worship and pray.
Amen.
