Sunday 28 April, 2013

1 Why do the nations plan evil together? Why do they make useless plans? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord. The rulers of the earth gather together against his anointed king. 3 “Let us break free from their chains,” they say. “Let us throw off their ropes.” 4 The One who sits on his throne in heaven laughs. The Lord makes fun of those rulers and their plans. 5 When he is angry, he warns them. When his anger blazes out, he terrifies them. 6 He says to them, “I have placed my king on my holy mountain of Zion.” 7 I will announce what the Lord has promised. He said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will give the nations to you. All nations on earth will belong to you. 9 You will rule them with an iron rod. You will break them to pieces like clay pots.” 10 Kings, be wise! Rulers of the earth, be warned! 11 Serve the Lord and have respect for him. Serve him with joy and trembling. 12 Obey the son completely, or he will be angry. Your way of life will lead to your death. His anger can blaze out at any moment. Blessed are all those who go to him for safety.

It is good for us to be reminded of the sovereignty of God. Sometimes we take him for granted, or put him in a box, or focus on just the most gracious aspects of his character. While his amazing grace is true, we need to remember that that is just part of his character. God is creator and sovereign. He rules over all. It seems somewhat shocking to us to think that the Lord “scoffs” at rulers who rage against him, before rebuking them in anger, but it is true.

Let us “Serve the Lord with reverent fear and rejoice with trembling”. But let us also marvel at what he has done for us in

accepting us as his friends, and let us join in the final refrain in this Psalm – “What joy for all who find protection in him!”

Written by Megan Cornell