Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth-leaders push for position,
Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers:
“Let’s get free of God!
Cast loose from Messiah!”
Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing.
At first he’s amused at their presumption;
Then he gets good and angry.
Furiously, he shuts them up:
“Don’t you know there’s a King in Zion? A coronation banquet
Is spread for him on the holy summit.”

Let me tell you what God said next.
He said, “You’re my son,
And today is your birthday.
What do you want? Name it:
Nations as a present? continents as a prize?
You can command them all to dance for you,
Or throw them out with tomorrow’s trash.”

So, rebel-kings, use your heads;
Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:
Worship God in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God—you won’t regret it!

-Psalm 2 MSG

Psalm 2 is a sobering reminder that the current state of the world is no new thing. Just one read-through of the chapter lets us see rightly the state of the human condition…

We, as a people, tend to be so self-centered and self-seeking that we puff ourselves up and say silly things such as “Let’s get free of God!” by word, or action…

The amazing confidence and intentional nature of God responds to our words and actions by, first, laughing and being amused at our assumptions….but then something shifts. Amusement turns to a (justified) anger and righteous jealousy.

He says with a loud voice full of conviction: “Don’t you know there’s a King in Zion? A coronation banquet is spread for Him on the holy summit.” The tone shifts. DO YOU NOT SEE ME! DO YOU NOT SEE THE FEAST I’VE MADE? So much better than anything you could do on your own..!

The Lord then turns to the writer (David, according to Acts 4) and reminds David of his place and identity. “You are my son….” and then tells him that he can ask of anything…nations, lands. What an amazing thing…what a heavy gift. But it shows the favor and the choice of the Lord for David and the people he reigned over.

Immediately after the reminder to David, God turns to the other Kings…and gives them a deep warning – “USE YOUR HEADS!” letting them know that they are making bad choices and not turning to God — but should they turn, it’d be the best choices.

I don’t know where you are with your walk with the Lord today – but let me tell you – if you are not using your head…turn back to Him. He is merciful and desires to empower you and prosper you to lead with excellence wherever you are at…whatever you are leading.