Psalm 2 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 2 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
Verse 2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
Verse 3"Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us."
Verse 4He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision.
Verse 5Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
Verse 6"I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."
Verse 7I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, "You are my son; today I have begotten you.
Verse 8Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
Verse 9You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Verse 10Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Verse 11Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling
Verse 12kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.
Devotion
As we follow the news, it's easy to feel that the future is in the hands of those who will stop at nothing to increase their power. It can seem the world belongs to those who are focused entirely on what serves "me and mine" with no thought for others. This is nothing new. Throughout history, proud rulers, alliances and empires have appeared, seeking to rule over all and to be answerable to no one. However, there is hope—in the end proud, selfish power always falls down. The world is covered with the ruins of its self-glorifying monuments.
In the end it is God who rules and God who has the last word. That word has in fact already been spoken—first to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration and then to us in our adoption as children of God: "You are my son; today I have begotten you."
Prayer
Lord of all, keep me mindful of your promises at all times. May my actions today be grounded in trust in you. May my hope be stretched wide by your boundless love in Christ. Amen.