Psalm 2:1-6

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?  The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,  “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”  The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.  He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,  “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

In the book of Psalms there are eleven messianic or royal psalms—songs written for a king. Many of these psalms are quoted in the New Testament in direct reference to Jesus. While these do look forward to Jesus, many Old Testament kings used them during their coronation celebrations. So these psalms carry double duty. They were used to crown Israel’s kings and also looked ahead to the coming of the King of Kings.  

The psalmist begins by expressing his utter amazement that people would have the audacity to plot against God. The nations stand together and make great plans to defeat God and His people. But the “One enthroned in heaven” is first humored by their hubris, and then He terrifies them into utter defeat.

Today God has enthroned His King in our hearts. And He is just as humored at those who try to oppose Him. Satan cannot steal us away. The world cannot lure us away. We cannot, in our weakness, overthrow the King. The believer is secure. The King has been installed and reigns in our hearts. The King’s Spirit gives us everything we need to serve Him well, stay on the right path, and fend off the enemy. The believer can say with confidence, “The King is enthroned in my heart.” Because of God’s presence and power, we can laugh at our enemies.

Father, too often we, Your children, feel helpless. Lord, remind us of Whose we are. Don’t let us be defeated by the enemy. Help us to stand in Your power. Remind us everyday…every minute of every day…that You have installed the King in our hearts. Our confidence is in the King. We pray in His name. Amen.