Psalm 2
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves
The rulers take counsel together
Against I Am,
Against His Anointed, saying
“Let us burst Their bonds apart and
Cast away Their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs
The Lord holds them in derision
He will speak to them then in His wrath
He will terrify them in His fury, saying,
“As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree
I AM said to me,
“You are My Son; today I have begotten You
Ask of Me
I will make the nations Your inheritance
The ends of the earth Your possession
You shall break them with a rod of iron
You will dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Now therefore, O kings
Be wise
Be warned
O rulers of the earth
Serve I AM with fear
Rejoice with trembling
Kiss the Son
Lest He be angry and you perish along the way
His wrath is kindled in a flash!
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
(Psalm 2, versification added)
These poems do something amazing. Some scholars attempt to discredit this poem as borrowed from Egyptian coronation rituals – where the king becomes the “god.” The poets of the Bible would have nothing to do with that, but something else is scratched at here. What ancient Mesopotamians yearned for, we also seek today – hope for something better and greater. That’s what happens in this poem. These promises are too big to even apply to an earthly king. They transcend everything. How can we fill them up? Only if we’re yielded. Like Mary and Joseph, we’re not describing a passive sort of giving up. No, this is imperative! “Kiss the Son,” the poet says. There’s a chance in grace, an opportunity in every promise of Advent, that we can get that close and ask for peace. He is ready for the kiss of peace all of the time. This is us actively seeking Jesus and His Presence. Meditate on the poem; it is grand and severe and beautiful. It is your Savior come. Amen.