I am concerned, as many of us are, by events in the Middle East and North Africa.  In those situations powers are at work which seem frightening.  The world is such a small place now and so people with limited power seem to have such global affects.  The least of the worries is the stock markets, the biggest worries are the affects on global conflicts.

Psalm 2 reminds us that God is overseeing the world and only allows what he wills.  Those who oppose God are bound to lose and God works on the earth through his children.  His Child, Jesus, may be in view in this Psalm.  Those who do not bow the knee to Jesus will reap the wrath of God.

Psalm 2

 ¹ Why do the nations conspire^[a]
   and the peoples plot in vain?
² The kings of the earth rise up
   and the rulers band together
   against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
³ “Let us break their chains
   and throw off their shackles.”

 ⁴ The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
   the Lord scoffs at them.
⁵ He rebukes them in his anger
   and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
⁶ “I have installed my king
   on Zion, my holy mountain.”

 ⁷ I will proclaim the LORD’s decree:

   He said to me, “You are my son;
   today I have become your father.
⁸ Ask me,
   and I will make the nations your inheritance,
   the ends of the earth your possession.
⁹ You will break them with a rod of iron^[b];
   you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

 ¹⁰ Therefore, you kings, be wise;
   be warned, you rulers of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the LORD with fear
   and celebrate his rule with trembling.
¹² 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.

Questions

1. Who conspires and plots?
2. What do wise governments keep in mind?
3. What is the overarching theme of this psalm?
4. Who do you look to in times of international instability?
5. How could you encourage others to look to God rather than governments?