God Gets the Last Laugh – Psalm 2
David begins chapter 2 with a question, which is rather rhetorical. “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” He presents the case by giving an example. Technically, the chapter continues where he left off in chapter 1, describing the fate of the wicked. As we see in verse 2, there is a justified reason God cannot bless the ungodly. They have rebelled against God and, in fact, it is not a negligent disregard, but is bold and purposeful. In reading the text, it has striking similarities to those building the tower of Babel in stark disregard for God’s authority. Remember, God gets the last laugh!
God gets the last laugh
Thus, in this chapter, as in Genesis 11:4-9, God has no lack of displeasure at their behavior. As David alludes to in verse 2, but then confirms in verses 6-8, not only have they turned their will against God the Father, but have outrightly despised God the Son and His authority over the earth. This is a dominant theme throughout Scriptures started and fueled by the enemy of our souls, as described in Isaiah 14:12-16 and Ezekiel 28:11-19.
The crux of the great controversy in earth’s saga, is who has the rightful authority to rule not only over the earth, but the entire universe! It is a saga played out in ancient scripture, but remains the primary focus from now until the end of time. The additional elements of the drama concern our responses to the question–who has the authority over the universe and more personally each of our lives? God decided the case; however, there are still choices to be made.
So in this chapter, as later seen in the book of Hebrews, God the Father sets the record straight, crystal clear and without ambiguity. “Thou art my Son: this day have I begotten thee (Hebrews 1:1-8).” This is the answer to the underlying question, Jesus, God the Son has the authority and has bequeathed it to no other. Our choice tips the balance in this drama.
Prayer
Our Father and our God, please forgive us where we have taken the wrong path in life. In the end, we want to be on Your side of the equation. So we choose You today through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
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A Picture of Righteousness – Psalm 1
The book of Psalms uses nature-based imagery extensively. One can visualize in the mind’s eye a “tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit” (v. 3). What a picture of righteousness not soon to be forgotten! However, there is a contrast between those that are ungodly and those that keep the law of God. This is another technique, if you would, the Psalmist uses through the books.
Type of Sinners
David knows he is not perfect and is quick to throw himself at the mercy of his Redeemer. He recognizes there is a difference between a sinner that appreciates and yearns for the mercies of God and the sinner that willfully wallows in his wickedness without a need for God. The latter is whom David refers to as the ungodly. There is an expected end for both categories of sinners when faced in the judgment. “For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (v. 6).
Again, verse four portrays in pictorial form the ungodly as chaff or light husks separated during the winnowing of wheat in ancient times. When tossed into the air, the component of the wheat, which has substance or some element of weight to it, falls to the ground. Whereas the chaff, husk or refuse, blows away with the wind.
Christ alludes to this concept in the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8. One subgroup of seed does not lay down a firm foundation on the Word of God or the law, as referred to in Psalm 1. The birds easily snatch them up. They are lacking in substance or weight, are worthless, and won’t stand in the judgment. Those that take root in good soil show a picture of righteousness.
This is simply chapter one! There is so much more awaiting the reader who delves deep into such a theme-woven masterpiece. God, of course, is the author, but uses the experiences and expression of the psalmists to quicken both our interests and our intellects in the things that matter most.
Chapter 1 introduces early in its segment the concept of meditation on the Word (The Book of Psalms). It sets the stage for a deeper dive into the Christian walk, explicitly described as founded on God’s Word.
How readest thou?
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for Your Word. Root and ground in it our lives, so we will show forth pictures of righteousness for Your name’s honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
