Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath and terrify them in his fury, saying, “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear; with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2 (NRSVUE)
This is how the conversation between God and the kings threatening Jerusalem/Zion went. God accuses the nations of the world, in the first 3 verses, of plotting rebellion against the Lord and his anointed one in Jerusalem (all kings wanted the highest authorization, so in Jerusalem they all claimed to be the anointed one, the “son of God”). God responds, in verses 4-6, with mocking(?) laughter then with anger in verses 7-12 and a threatening message from God’s anointed one of what will happen if they do or don’t choose to serve the Lord.
I was teaching at the Bryan Community, which is the alternative high school for Lincoln Public Schools. One of our students came in late to a guest speaker. He was disrespectful and loud as he entered the room. I don’t remember exactly what I said to him, but it was on the order of – would you please sit down, we’re trying to listen to the speaker. He swore, upended a chair and left the school – with a more empathetic teacher following. Turns out, he had tried to get back into his home earlier only to find that even with his key, there was a security chain on the door. He could see his grandmother laying on the floor inside but wasn’t sure whether he should break the door down to help her. After authorities arrived, they found she was OK, just drunk so she couldn’t get up to answer the door.
I tell this story, because I have found that anger and accusation are rarely a good response to a difficult situation. There is always more to understand. Our verses for today were written in the time of a warrior culture and so God’s action is written as one of authority and suppression. This approach is very different from Jesus’ example in the New Testament.
Tomorrow is the Transfiguration Sunday, when Jesus goes up a mountain with Peter, James and John and they witness him shining with a bright light as he speaks with Moses and Elijah. Certainly a different way for God’s power and glory to be revealed than our verses today. But isn’t that true of Jesus’ entire life? As God’s truly anointed one, Jesus’ rule was one of inclusion, justice, forgiveness and love for all people. Jesus washed the disciple’s feet, kept the company of lepers and tax collectors, spent time with God in prayer, did not resist his crucifiers . . .
A perfect example, for us, of how to live into God’s kingdom here on earth.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you agree with this idea of how the world should be ruled?
- If your answer is yes, but how? – I’m with you. Ideas?
- Can you think of one big or small way you could live out God’s rule?
- If your answer is no to this idea of how the world should be ruled, how do you explain the way Jesus lived?
Prayer:
Transfigured Lord, I live with the hope that your perfect example of the kingdom of God on earth is possible but I struggle with how that can happen. The prospect seems so remote in our current world. Even as much as I want to live in the kingdom, I know that I often fail. My prayer is for renewed trust, a deeper awareness of your presence and the enlightenment necessary to follow your path more faithfully. My prayer is that your kingdom come. Amen.
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