Psalm 2 – Shalom

Why are the nations always fighting? why are our leaders so selfish? What happened to representation of the people, by the people, and for the people? There has been a severe breakdown in communication, and an even greater breakdown of love for our neighbors. Our neighbors are not just those who have the same lifestyle as us; it’s everyone we come in contact with.
When our focus is on ourselves, we lack the ability to live peaceably with others. We must put others above ourselves. This type of sacrifice is impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit guiding us in making selfless decisions. Lean on him. Allow his love to permeate through you.
I love the words at the end of Psalm 2, “Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (‭Psalm‬ ‭2‬:‭11-12‬ NIV)
In the footnotes of my Archaeological Study Bible, it states “in the ancient Near East a kiss was a sign of submission (Zondervan).” Hmm… Submit to the Son, lest he be angry, and you be destroyed in your way. This new knowledge shines a whole new light in showing affection to Jesus. And how true it is that when I do things my own way, I have a plethora of damage to clean up. But if I submit to Jesus right out the gate, and take refuge in him, blessed I am indeed (Ps 2:12)!

This idea of a kiss representing submission also brings new insight to just how deeply Judas betrayed Christ. People have continued to stab their friends in the back ever since. No wonder the nations rage like they did in Psalm 2, and in the Garden of Gethsemane. They’re conspiring, breaking oaths, and stabbing each other in the back (literally and figuratively).

The only comfort I get is knowing that God is sitting in Heaven waiting to guide the steps of our leaders; all they need do is ask. If the nations of the world don’t look for truth in the Word of God,His anger will eventually burn.
As for me, I am a child of the King of kings and Lord of lords. This world and all it’s leaders have nothing on me.
I cry, “Oh Lord, I ask for the nations. Let them humble themselves and pray, and seek YOUR face, turning from their wicked ways.” For it is God’s desire for them to worship the only true god in reverence and to rejoice in awestruck wonder.
Honor the Lord Jesus.
Blessed are those who take refuge in Him!