Submit To God’s Son

SUBMIT TO GOD’S SON

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Why are the nations so angry?

Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

The kings of the earth prepare for battle;

the rulers plot together

against the LORD

and against his anointed one.

“Let us break their chains,” they cry,

“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.

The Lord scoffs at them.

Then in anger he rebukes them,

terrifying them with his fierce fury.

For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne

in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

The king proclaims the LORD’s decree:

“The LORD said to me, ‘You are my son.

Today I have become your Father.

Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,

the whole earth as your possession.’” . . .

Now then, you kings, act wisely!

Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

Serve the LORD with reverent fear,

and rejoice with trembling.

Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,

and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—

for his anger flares up in an instant.

But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

In Psalm 1, we read about the choice we each have to walk in step with the wicked or follow the ways of God. Psalm 2 sets up a similar choice for the nations of the earth: They can either serve and submit to God or go their own way. When we read this psalm, we may wonder what it has to do with us today. It is a stark reminder of who is in charge and who is at the center. Often it seems that our fate and ability to live in the ways we desire are tied to the person or people in power. And to a certain extent, this is true—though temporary. Ultimately, as this psalm makes clear, God is at the center of all things and is ruling over all things. Nations and rulers come and go; God remains constant and never-changing. How might our thoughts and responses to injustice or harm be shaped if we remembered his constancy and sovereignty over all things?

• Read today’s psalm again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that particular word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What is your typical reaction when you learn of an injustice carried out by the government of the country you live in? What hope do you see in the midst of injustice?
• As you reflect, what do you sense God seeking to shape in you as you remember that the end of the story of human history is not injustice, despair, and evil kings but rather hope, justice, and goodness under the reign of Jesus Christ?

Lord, injustice seems to rule the world. There are bright spots here and there, but from what we can see, governmental corruption rules more than compassion, peace, and justice. When my heart falls into despair over the state of things—and especially the ruling authorities—remind me of the truth that no matter who is governing the nations, you remain at the center of all things, rule over all things, and are working to make all things new. Allow this truth to shape my every thought and response to the good and the evil I see in the world. May I applaud and encourage the peacemakers and find my joy in you alone. Amen.