Today’s Lectio Divina: Excerpts from Psalm 2. (MsgB)
Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth-leaders push for position; Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks.
Don’t you know there’s a King in Zion? A coronation banquet is spread for Him on the holy summit.
So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:
Worship God in adoring embrace; Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
As I write these words, we Americans have just come through yet another presidential election. Red vs. Blue. Left vs. Right. Some would say it’s Evil vs. Good. The only problem with that line of thinking is that both sides are correct. Now the votes have been counted. A victor crowned. A loser to go home licking his wounds. We may never know which side was more right than the other. And then again, with the overwhelming problems facing America, will it really matter?
The Middle-East is in turmoil. America and western society is divided with internal conflict. Radical extremists abound in all cultures. Accusation has replaced reason. Common sense has left the room. Hope and change on either side of the political aisle has become divide and conquer.
And what is a good man or woman to do?
As I see it, Psalm 2 gives us 21st century earth-dwellers a way through.
God, the Creator of the Universe, has seen this kind of rebellion before. He knows what evil dwells in our hearts and minds. He’s able to see through the smoke and mirrors of high society and see His kids throwing sticks and stones at each other. He sees. He knows. He laughs at the bullies who threaten to take over. He weeps over the ones falling through the cracks. He smiles at those who are looking heavenward for help. He shakes His fist at those who speak of good but secretly desire evil.
Jesus warned of such times. Yet, in truth, He lived in such times as well. The Psalmist of old understood the tensions of a world gone astray just as we, today, see our world crumbling apart before our eyes.
Is this the end?
On one hand, yes. The end began with Jesus’ first arrival. The beginning of the end found its’ start at the Cross and the empty Tomb.
Yet here we are 2,000 years closer to the end then our first-century counterparts. And in this tumultuous time, the Psalmist calls us to the right response.
Worship God in adoring embrace; Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
The way through is clear. In humility and adoration, let’s bow our knees and worship the one King who will never be displaced.
Reign, O Mighty Eternal King. Reign.
My prayer: In a world where striving for the top position becomes our highest goal, I choose this day to humble myself, Lord, bowing before You, our Risen King. May You, alone be highly exalted and may Your glory be the desire of my heart. For Your name’s sake. Amen.
My questions to ponder: In a world full of bold power-brokers and dynamic, driving leaders, how might I take a different approach to leadership? Instead of seeking for power and position, how might I be used for God’s purposes by becoming a spokesperson for humility and grace?
So what is God speaking to you today as you ponder the Psalms?
Over a 50-week period, you and I will take a deeper look at The Psalms: God’s Songbook of Prayers. In order to keep all the blog sessions organized, we suggest you bookmark our Contemplating the Psalms home page for ease of use. Keep in mind that one of the best ways to explore the on-going applications of this blog series is to walk alongside a biblically-based, Christ-centered spiritual director who is familiar with how to make material like this part of your overall spiritual formation in God. Many of our directors in our Sustainable Faith-Heartland network are available to companion you in your journey with Jesus. Click here for more info.
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