Stop Predicting. Start Kneeling.
A Pastoral Reflection on Psalm 2
The U.S./Israeli strikes on Iran and the death of Ayatollah Khomeini dominate the news. In our predictably bifurcated society, there are those who see the same events in opposite ways. Various predictions are being made. Some celebrate the strikes as ushering in a new era of worldwide peace. Others condemn the attacks, predicting the onset of WWIII. As in most global conflicts, the real consequences are only clear with the distance of time. Maybe we’ll be able to judge these events in a year . . or a generation.
I am a pastor and not a geopolitical expert. My aim here is to encourage the ordinary Christian to a particular posture. Many are quick to post and predict. Instead of impulsive “hot takes,” I return to the stability of Psalm 2.
The True State of Affairs
“Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?” (v. 1)
The cycle of conflict and violence is endless. The pattern is repeated across millennia. We may be shocked, but these are the expected symptoms of a decaying world. Jesus hinted that we are already and always in end times when there are “wars and rumors of wars.” In every moment, we live urgently in a groaning world and with hope of His final return.
Verse one gives a sense of futility in geopolitical posturing. It’s the same script with different actors. Assyria, Babylon, Rome, and even ancient Israel with their up-and-down history of rebellion and repentance. The most powerful rulers in the world are shut up when “He who sits in the heavens laughs” (v. 4). It’s as if God says, “I’ve seen this before. I’ve known rulers and regimes. I see their end.”
The Only True Administration
“As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (v. 6)
This is the central hope of the Psalm in the midst of an unstable world. It is dripping with prophetic foreshadowing, begging to be answered in the Nazarene who was lifted up on a tree outside of Zion, the city of Jerusalem. We see royal fulfillment in Jesus Christ all over the New Testament (Eph. 1:10,20; Phil. 2:10; Col. 1:15; Rev. 11:18).
This King Jesus is an unlikely candidate. Yet his backwards ascent is precisely what gives credence to his singular candidacy to fulfill the supernatural standard of Psalm 2. A crucified King? A dead Ruler? But now He is risen, ascended, and “sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” His credentials only further confound the wise and shame the powerful, amplifying the power of God in weakness (I Cor. 1:20). When the crucified One ascends to the throne, there is no question that he alone can occupy the worldwide seat of authority.
Our Proper Response
“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way.” (v. 10-12).
The proper response for God’s people (and worldwide leaders): trembling knees and humble submission. When we see military conflicts and global uncertainty, there is no place for arrogant egoism. Our hope is not in national pride or military might. History has proven that those things are fragile. The most powerful nations can be humbled in an instant.
Our triumphalism is not in American dominance. For Christians, the word “triumphant” is reserved solely for Christ. Furthermore, there is no place for arrogance in war. Innocent lives will perish. American servicemen and women will die. This is a solemn, not celebratory affair.
What is certain is that the times are uncertain (they always are). This drives us to the proper posture - on our knees with head bowed. Prayerful, humble, obedient. Faithfully serve the King over all kings, presidents, and prime ministers. If there is peace, we praise Him. If there is turmoil, we call on him. If we suffer, we endure it for Christ’s sake and inquire of him, “Lord, what is your will in this?”
The King of Kings is rightly feared. At the same time, he deserves our full trust. For his justice is matched by his mercy. We pray for global peace and security, and we call upon Him.
“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and even. Amen.” (Rev. 1:5-6)