Day Two: Psalm Two

Good Morning,

Welcome to day two! If you tried to post yesterday, follow, or subscribe via email, I am sorry if it did not work. I hope I fixed the kinks! You can always go to the Frontline FB page and comment on the link too! Just think. If you can read one Psalm a day over the summer, you will have a regular Bible studying routine in place by fall. Ephesians 6 tells us that we need to be armed with the Word of God to stand against the fiery darts of the devil. Reading your Bible will arm you and teach you what-to-do, what-not-to-do, and how to get through life’s difficult times. Furthermore, it will warn you about traps that the devil thinks you will fall into. If you armed, you are less likely to fall into them.

Psalm 2 is that type of Psalm. There are many lessons one can learn when they read it, but it is a bit difficult to understand. So if you want to read Psalm 2 before you read this commentary, go ahead. But I guarantee you that your head will be spinning as you try to figure it out. If you have access to the Fire Bible, Penn Florida Youth recommends it for teens. My husband recently acquired one as a gift, and I am eating it up this morning. It has cool notes on the bottom that explain each passage. I love it!

This is a Messianic Psalm, which means it tells of the coming of Jesus the Messiah (verse 7). In this Psalm, we see a snapshot of the types of people who come against God and are in rebellion towards God and His people (Fire Bible 900). Reading on, one can see that God does not fear them. In fact, verse three tells us that “the one enthroned in heaven laughs”.  God knows His established plan and so should His people. They should not let trials, drama, and let-downs get them down. As they grow stronger and arm themselves in His word, they learn how to handle life, cope, and walk victoriously.

It teaches us that we too can find some humor when these trials occur because we know and trust God. As I have learned to walk with God through trails, I have found it easier to trust Him. I have had days where I have laughed and said to myself, “This is ridiculous; what else can the devil throw at me?”  It’s not always easy for me, and sometimes I get caught off guard. Like when a recent family member was diagnosed with cancer, I found it harder to trust God and see that He was in control.  I had to work at praying and reading my Bible through it. I am surely not laughing at cancer, but I am laughing at the devil for His attack. This trial is bringing my loved one closer to God, which is a prayer that is finally being answered. I have learned that in trails God is in control. I am learning to worry less and lean on God. In verses 11 and 12, it admonishes us to “serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling” (Fire Bible 900). We should put our trust in Him and take refuge in Him (verse 12). This is great advice one should follow! Reading our Bible, praying, and finding time to praise and worship God outside of church helps us to stay close to Jesus. Both are needed! Being in God’s presence strengthens us. The Bible tells us to “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).  

There is one more important thing for us to understand today. Psalm 2 reveals an obvious conflict between the world and God. Though we know that the Messiah Jesus has come, there are still people to this day that walk in rebellion against God. These people are both in the house of God and outside of the house. 2Thessalonians 3 tell us to cut ourselves off from them.  If you are spending time with a person who is walking in rebellion to the things of God, then you need to cut yourself off. Even if this person seems to have some of the things of God in place in their life, God does not like a mixture. He would rather they be hot or cold. He despises deception. What can you do to get away from this person? Block their number from your phone, block them or unfriend them on FB. Why let the enemy whisper thoughts in your ears?

 It’s that easy! Like I said, if you are not walking in rebellion, but there are people around you who are, you know what you need to do. If you see yourself as one who is walking in rebellion, even if it seems a small area, you need to surrender it to God and make a decision to change. See a person you are accountable to, like a pastor or Godly mentor, and tell them about this discovery. Also, ask God for help! If you are walking in rebellion, then you will fall to destruction (verse 12). So, turn to God. If you turn towards Jesus, the Messiah, (Psalms 2:7), you will be on the right path once again. If there are people you need to cut off, obey HIs word and do it!

Psalm 2

New International Version (NIV)

The Reign of God’s Anointed

¹ Why do the nations conspire^[a]
    and the peoples plot in vain?
² The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
³ “Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

⁴ The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
⁵ He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
⁶ “I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain. ”

⁷ I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
    today I have become your father.
⁸ Ask me,
    and I will make the nations your inheritance,
    the ends of the earth your possession.
⁹ You will break them with a rod of iron^[b];
    you will dash them to pieces like pottery. ”

¹⁰ Therefore, you kings, be wise;
    be warned, you rulers of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear
    and celebrate his rule with trembling.
¹² Kiss his son, or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%202&version=NIV

Psalm 2

New Life Version (NLV)

God’s Chosen One Will Rule

1 Why are the nations so shaken up and the people planning foolish things? ² The kings of the earth stand in a line ready to fight, and all the leaders are against the Lord and against His Chosen One. ³ They say, “Let us break their chains and throw them away from us.”

⁴ He Who sits in the heavens laughs. The Lord makes fun of them. ⁵ Then He will speak to them in His anger and make them afraid, saying, ⁶ “But as for Me, I have set My King on Zion, My holy mountain.” ⁷ I will make known the words of the Lord. He said to Me, “You are My Son. Today I have become Your Father. ⁸ Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for you to own. The ends of the earth will belong to You. ⁹ You will break them using a piece of iron. And they will be broken in pieces like pots of clay.”
¹⁰ So, kings, be wise. Listen, you rulers of the earth. ¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear, and be full of joy as you shake in fear. ¹² Kiss the Son. Be afraid that He may be angry and destroy you in the way. For His anger is quick. Happy are all who put their trust in Him.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%202&version=NLV

Questions to ponder:

1.     Why does David say that it is vain to come against God and His anointed ones (verses 1-3)? Check both versions if you are unsure.

2.     Why do you think God sits in the heavens and laughs (verse 4)?

3.     Are you like any of the types of people mentioned in Psalm 2 whom rebel against God, and or are there areas in your life (don’t post them in here) where you need to repent and turn them over to God?

4.     Are there people in your life who are clearly walking in rebellion towards the things of God, who are busy bodies, and you need to cut yourself off from them (don’t post their name in here or what they do)?

5.     Looking deeper, what does knowing God’s plan teach us about handling trials?

6.   What will happen if you do not heed (follow) 1 Thessalonians 3 advice to cut of those in your life who are rebelling against God?

6.     Is Psalm 2’s advice relevant for today’s Christian?

Reflection and comment:

When you go to comment, you can choose anonymous and then sign your name at the end of you post, or you can set up a Google account. The first choice is easier! I recommend that you work in Word or WordPad first; then copy and paste it in here.

 So what did you find that is relevant for God’s people as you stuided today? What speaks to you in this scripture? Do you have new questions and or research you want to do as a result of this Psalm?

Pastor Illy