Saturday, March 2, 2013
Psalm 2
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
(Psalm 2:2-3 ESV)
While this may seen like an odd passage to pick as something that stood out to me, this reminded me a lot of Romans 12:14 that I was reading earlier today:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
(Romans 12:14 ESV)
When I first read this, I had to really think about it for a while because I have been convicted a lot on this concept of showing God's love to all people lately and trying to let that manifest itself in my life. But I was having a really difficult time imagining myself being able to not only forgive but bless someone who might persecute me for what I believe in. Not only am I a little afraid of this type of situation arising, but I feel like I would have a difficult time holding back my anger. I would like to think that I would be able to contain my anger so to not respond in cursing or hatred, but it is a difficult command to stop that anger from welling up in our hearts and instead, ask God to bless them. This is why I think it is particularly fitting that it repeats itself. It's like Paul is saying, "that's right, you read that correct. Bless, not curse."
I think this was also really weighing hard on me as I thought about the persecution that may come in our lives as we stand up for what we believe in. I often struggle with my fear of confrontation which many times causes me to stay quiet even when I disagree with something that is being said because it is easier to stand idly by than speak up and challenge someone. Part of it can be attributed to a desire to please people/for acceptance and probably part for fear of being challenged on something myself and not being able to successfully defend my point. I often pray for boldness and courage that I may not deny what I truly believe in and that the Lord will give me strength not to back down when given the opportunity to proclaim his message. Which also reminds me of Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
(Joshua 1:9 NIV)
So anyways, I will leave yall with that and just ask that you pray for me on these things, and I will continue praying for you as well.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
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I will tell of the decree:
ReplyDeleteThe LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
(Psalm 2:7 ESV)
God's promise to us here is amazing! He has made us his sons! I know that this can reference Jesus, but it speaks to us too! Jesus calls us brothers in Hebrews. How big of a blessing is it that God considers us his sons? This means that he disciplines us (once again Hebrews), and that he will provide us with his Spirit when we ask:
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
(Luke 11:11-13 ESV)
God's promise to us is amazing!
Keep at it, Marcus! Verses 4 and 11 strike me as particularly relevant. Whenever I feel hurt or offended by someone who is challenging or mocking my faith, I try to remember that if I have true confidence in what I believe, then it doesn't matter what others say or do. Easier said than done, eh? But it's true; if we humble ourselves before the Lord then we have everything to gain and nothing to lose. We can meaningfully dialogue with people of different beliefs (not just religious and spiritual) if we remember to honor the presence of God in their being and listen; God gives us the right words when they are needed. And He is mighty!
ReplyDelete"And now, kings, give heed;
ReplyDeletetake warning, rulers on earth.
Serve the Lord with fear;
with trembling bow down in homage,
Lest God be angry and you perish from the way in a sudden blaze of anger.
Happy are all who take refuge in God."
Psalm 2:10-11
We pray for the leaders of the Church, the leaders of our nation, and the leaders of our communities at least every Sunday, but I find myself praying for them more after reading this passage. How often do leaders get the wrong message about confidence? We see leaders all the time that see a need for power and order and who think that fear is weakness. When in fact, fear is the only path to humility and understanding.
Here in these verses, we see a warning as well as a promise. A warning that those who do not love, who do not sacrifice for others, and who do not have the humility to realize that there is One much greater, stronger, and wiser than we are. And a promise that to be truly happy, we must grow to love and worship God. The definition of worship is to bow down. To bow down and put yourself in the most vulnerable position possible acknowledging that you are not in charge and that there is power much greater than yourself.