Psalm 02
Peace in a Chaotic World
Psalms 2
Introduction:
There is much that is going on in our world today that can cause a person to worry or fear.
Ø Our nation is a war: We have men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world.
Ø Every day we hear reports of suicide bombs, etc.
Ø We read reports of possible 9-11 attacks, etc. here in the USA
Ø I heard someone the other day saying, “I can’t believe that haven’t tried to contaminate our food supply, it would be so easy to do.”
Ø We regularly hear that things are likely going to continue and maybe even get worse
Ø News often wonders “where” the next attack will be not “if.”
If we focus on these things, it becomes very easy to become worried and uncertain, yet in the Word of God we find that we can have peace in when the world is in chaos.
Psalm 2 is one of the Psalms that talk about Jesus before He was born, yet in it we find how we can have peace in our world.
Notice how the Psalm starts in verse 1, and then notice how it ends in verse 12.
Reminds me a little of our study in Habakkuk
How do we live in a world of chaos and yet have rest for our souls?
I. We need to know the truth
We need to look at the world and the things that are happening in the world from a biblical perspective.
Easy to look at them through CNN’s perspective, FOX News’ perspective, etc., yet we need to see them from God’s perspective.
1. We live in a rebellious world vv. 1-3
What are they plotting to do?
Put God out of their lives, live their own way, do their own things
His anointed is referring to Jesus
They are attempting to break the bonds that God would put on their lives
From the beginning of time mankind has rebelled against God
There is a real spiritual battle taking place in our world today
Daniel 10 is an example of that
Pastor Rick Duncan
This verse is referring to Jesus as the Anointed One. The nations are in an uproar because they refuse to submit to Jesus. They have their own agenda. It’s not God’s agenda. They stand against Him. They rebel against Jesus Christ. They did it when this Psalm was written. They do it today. And that includes Iraq… and even the USA. Just look at the materialism and worldliness and selfishness of our nation. Our country is not deeply spiritual. We have our own agenda. A generation ago, Francis Schaffer said that our agenda is personal peace and affluence. That’s still true.
Described as a vain thing: They will not succeed, it will fail. God’s church will continue in this world.
Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
2. We have a sovereign God vv. 4 on we see God’s power and control
Note verse 4, “He who sits in heaven laughs, scoffs at them
He sits: God is not worried by the plans of the nations, He has seen war and rebellion before
Psalm 29:10 “And the LORD sits as King forever”
Psalm 59:7-8
Indeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords are in their lips; For they say, “Who hears?” But You, O LORD, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision.”
He does not stand/sit by and do nothing see verse 5
How does God often judge the nations of the earth?
Often with other nations: Caananites, Israelites, Babylonians, etc.
3. God will be victorious vv. 6-9
What is he saying? God’s plan will be carried out, it will not be thwarted.
The nations of the earth may rebel against God, but it will all come to nothing!!
II. We need to be busy now!!
1. We must be serving the Lord vv. 10-11
Why do we serve the Lord? Because we fear Him!
Henry Blackaby in his book “The Man God Uses,” writes:
The presence of God in His people put fear in the nations surrounding them. The nations were not afraid of the Israelites. They were afraid of the God of the Israelites.
How many people tremble before the God that churches serve in their communities? The fear of God will not come upon the people outside the church before it comes upon the people inside the church. Every time anyone in the Bible of any significance met God, great fear, awe, and trembling came upon them.
In Jeremiah 5:22 God says, “Should you not fear me? Declares the Lord. Should you not tremble in my presence?” Obviously, the person who doesn’t know Christ has much to fear because of his destination. But as Christ-followers, we need to approach God with trembling and with awe and respect. We need to repent of the casualness with which we approach God.
When we reverence Him, we will serve Him.
When we are busy serving the Lord we don’t have time to be worried about what is going on around us.
2. We must “kiss the Son” 12a
What does this mean?
In many cultures to kiss one is to submit yourself to him
Used to see pictures of Saddam’s generals, etc. greeting him with a kiss. They were respecting his authority and submitting to it.
We certainly need to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ.
3. Put our trust in Him 12b
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
Pastor Rick Duncan
What if the worst happens? What if someone I love dies in the war? What is terrorism strikes close to home and someone I know dies? What if I die? None of that changes the truth at the end of this Psalm. “How blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”
We now have an office in our nation called The Office of Homeland Security. I like the work they are doing. I want my family and friends to live securely – in safety. Homeland security. We need it.
But think with me. For people who serve the Lord and kiss the Son, this world really isn’t our home. Our home is in heaven. And it’s already secure. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.