Victorious King (Psalm 2:1-12)

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." (Psalms 2:1-3 NLT)

There is a tension in our country today between two competing ideals.  One desires "one nation under God."  The other desires freedom "from slavery to God."  You can tell when a person is fighting for one or another by the laws they fight to create or preserve.  Whenever someone fights for a law that matches God's law, they are fighting for a nation under God.  When they fight for a law that rebels against God's, they are fighting for freedom from God.  There's a problem with this second position, though.  You cannot fight against God and win.

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. (Psalms 2:4-5 NLT)

At the heart of everything, a spiritual war is taking place over the souls of people.  God want's to give us love, joy, and peace in this life.  He wants to give us eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth in the next.  His enemies (fallen angels) wants us under his control for all eternity.  He wants us to suffer.

Here's the thing.  God will win.  He has already won - we just don't see it yet.  He will be sending His fierce, mighty warrior to lead His people into battle.  They will win without any casualties on God's side.

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. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.'" (Psalms 2:6-9 NLT)

When Jesus came out of the waters of baptism, the clouds opened up and a voice from heaven said, "This is My Son, My Chosen One. Listen to Him."  (Luke 9:35 NLT)  God wasn't just establishing a Father-Son relationship that day.  God was declaring that Jesus is the chosen one.  Jesus is the King.  He is the fierce and mighty warrior that will lead His followers to victory in battle.

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! (Psalms 2:10-12 NLT)

Psalms were songs or hymns that were meant to be sung.  This psalm must have had a great and powerful musical feel to it.  It was declaring victory for God and His followers.  It was also pronouncing defeat for His enemies.

What about you?  Which are you?  Do you line up behind God in His army, or do you line up in front of him as His enemy?  Now that you know the outcome, do you need to switch sides?