Why do the nations conspire
    and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

Psalm 2: 1-3

Whether you follow the international scene closely, or if you prefer the study of history, these words are likely to sound familiar to you. It seems that the things that nations are doing today are at least as old as the Scriptures; there’s nothing new under the sun.

Yet the machinations of Men aren’t the only things going on out there:

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
“I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

Psalm 2: 4-6

Although the kings and rulers of this earth feel pretty sure of themselves in their plots, schemes and pointless struggling and striving, they are being watched by Almighty God, who isn’t all that amused by their misdeeds. It would seem that He favors an altogether different King. Perhaps the next few verses will sound most familiar of all:

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
    today I have become your father.
Ask me,
    and I will make the nations your inheritance,
    the ends of the earth your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron;
    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

Psalm 2:7-9

In these verses, quoted by the Hebrews author, God is speaking to the King of kings and Lord of lords, who also happens to be God’s own Son. While these verses were prophetic when they were first written, we know that He, the Son, has indeed come. He reigns even now at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, heir to all things in the universe. We also know that we, His followers are His co-heirs to everything, and that in the fullness of time, He will put an end to this fallen world and redeem all of Creation, putting away sin, rebellion, war, suffering, pain and tears. Every human will receive their just due, whether it is a positive or a negative reward: Justice will prevail in this universe― of that we can be certain.

What amazing promises we have; what a great hope we possess. Hold on to these, and this will no doubt be a wonderful week.