DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
by Elaine Pierce
Mel Brooks famously said "It's good to be King," in his 1981 movie "The History of the World," and yes, it certainly sounds tempting. Being King would mean you'd be in charge. You would call the shots. It would be your way every day. And don't we all at some point secretly (or not so secretly) wish we could run the world?
Psalm 2 doesn't mince words about what the kings of the day were trying to do: they were gathering together against the Lord, and against his Anointed One, and they planned to take over. "Messiah" is Hebrew for "Anointed One," and it is clear in scripture that the Anointed One is Jesus. (See Acts 4:25-27, 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, 5:5). And what is God's response to their plans?
He laughs. He scoffs at them. He rebukes them. And, yes, he terrifies them. (read verses 4-6).
We all know, deep in our hearts, that there is one king, and that king is Jesus. What is the responsibility of earthly rulers to the Anointed One?
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rules of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed l your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (v. 10-12).
Since I'm not a king (and I'm guessing you aren't either), I could dismiss this admonition. However, it is clear by reading to the last sentence of the psalm, Blessed are ALL who take refuge in him, that this message to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling, is for all of us. Earthly kings come and go, but Jesus' reign is forever. We will always struggle with wanting to be in charge, to rule the world, but thanks be to God that His plan is far better than ours.
PRAYER PRACTICE
Spend some time meditating on the Anointed One. Thank God for the gift of eternal life, and ask him to show you ways that you can serve him joyfully, knowing that he is in charge and he will bless you with mercy, grace and love.
Comments