Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Psalm 2 (ESV)
The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed
2 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 10 Now, therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Why would the Jewish people pin the Messianic hopes on the king?
Holy God. You are mighty and powerful. There is such evil in this world that plots against You and Your people. That was true with the Jewish people, and it is true today. The Jews wanted a powerful king to protect them, and in the same way, we could sure use some of Your power and protection right now! How awesome would it be if You would show up right now to demonstrate that You are the King of Kings and You mean business? It must break Your heart to see such hatred and destruction. Jesus, You are the anointed King, the Christ, and the Messiah. You are more powerful than any human king. You are with those who love You. I look forward to the day when You reign as heavenly King for eternity and evil is no more. But for today, we need You to raise up leaders who serve and honor You with integrity. Protect the faithful people who run to You. Bless those who seek refuge in You and put their trust in You. Help us trust that even if we can’t see it, We can know that You are in fact actively working for those who love You. No matter what the future holds, You are the ultimate King of Glory and we will worship You. Amen.