Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? -Psalm 2:1 (NIV) 

An alien or robot or imperial enemy in a movie might voice something like: “resistance is futile.” The Other-worldly being having capabilities far beyond human strength and ingenuity, the situation is futile against the enemy. 

We see a similar sentiment expressed in Psalm 2: the nations and peoples are plotting against the reign of the Lord and the structure of His kingdom (here found in Israel) – except the voice saying: “resistance is futile” is not an enemy but the voice of the Spirit in the psalmist. The Spirit of God uses the human agent of the psalmist to express an almost exasperating question: “Why do the nations rage and peoples plot in vain?”  

In the context of the psalm, the nations are pagan nations and peoples seeking to overthrow the Davidic throne. In the psalm are references to “God’s anointed;” referring first to the king, then to the Israelites as a whole. These pagan nations seek to unseat the anointed of God and make them vassal-subjects at best and slaves at worst. 

Yet the psalm comes from a perspective that is assured of God’s might and power against such bloviating from the adversarial nations. It is so assured, it even addresses the kings of the enemy nations to seek God. “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear” (Ps. 2:10-11, NIV, excerpt).  

Today, we see intimidating and overwhelming power structures in the form of government, wealth, mega-corporations, and media empires. Even more poignant in an election year, you may even ask: “what can I do against such great powers?” It can feel as if all of these exist to taunt the people of God into believing that the power structures themselves are worthy of fear and worship. Yet, we may -in assurance of God’s victory- approach the overwhelming nature of the world with the statement: Resistance is futile. Put in the more positive: “God wins.”

May it be so with us.

Matt

Announcements and Other Thoughts

Labor Day Announcements: No Sunday Night group on Sept. 6th. Office Closed, Monday Sept. 7.

First Responders Drive: Remember we are accepting donations of Gatorade and Protein Bars from now until Sept 13. Want to have Amazon or Walmart deliver it? That’s great! Our address is 214 W. 8th Avenue. Stillwater OK 74074

Midweek Groups begin Sept. 9. Men and Women’s groups begin Wednesday at 5:30-7:00pm. Note: Men will be meeting in Pastor Tim’s old office. Women will gather in the Fellowship Hall.