Reading the Word

Psalm 2:1–3 (ESV)

1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”

Understanding and Applying the Word

Reading the words of Psalm 2, one may wonder if this psalm was written recently. It is amazing to think that it was written thousands of years ago and describes the mindset of the nations and humanity then. It seems that people are not all that much different today than they were when these verses were first written down. The people still rage against God and his Anointed (i.e. Jesus Christ). People still think they would be better off if they could “burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords.” It is not uncommon to hear people say that religion and Christianity and the Bible are bad things that hold humanity and the world back from advancing to greater heights.

Contrary to the mindset of those quoted in this psalm and the attitude of so many today, the world is not better off without God. In fact, it is our rebellion against God that has caused our problems. We have rejected our Creator and gone our own way. By doing this, we have caused great harm to the world around us and to one another. It is only through returning to God that we can find the hope and peace that we desire. And it is through the promises of God to his people that we will one day live in a world without pain and suffering because sin and its consequences will be removed and there will be a new world where God dwells with his people.

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