The Lord has revealed a great deal through His prophet, the psalmist, in Psalm 2. The book of Acts (4:24-26) assigns its authorship to King David, and it is with reading in its entirety.
6 “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.” 7 “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. Psalm 2:6-8 (NKJV)
We learn that God has set his King on the holy hill of Zion, Mt. Moriah, in Jerusalem. This is the same location where God led Abraham on a three-day journey to test if he would be willing to give up even his precious son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to the Lord, in Genesis 22. Abraham was willing, but God never allowed him to go through with it. Instead, the Father later willingly offered of His own beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in the very same place, on the cross for us. Jesus was then three days in the grave, a parallel with Abraham’s three-day journey of grief towards the Mount.
But the Father raised Jesus from the dead, giving Him power and authority to rule as eternal King over all nations to the very ends of the earth. Jesus has been given complete authority over all earthly kings and leaders as well as all heavenly rulers. Most leaders on earth are not yet aware of His position. Psalm 2 presents some divine advice to them, whether they choose to hear and obey it, or not.
Although Jesus came as a baby through Mary, He existed with the Father from the beginning, and all of creation was made through Him, as recorded in the opening of the gospel of John. Several Old Testament prophets add further insight into this coming Messiah, or Christ. Isaiah speaks of His roots in the genealogy of King David, through David’s father, Jesse.
11 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth… Isaiah 11:1-4 (NKJV).
The character of this coming King will reflect the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit. He will overflow with wisdom, understanding, divine justice, and unlimited power. He will “fear” or revere the Father, seeking always to do His will above His own, and pouring out love and mercy to all who call upon His name. His heart will be extended towards the meek and the humble on the earth, and He will delight in lifting up the poor. He will sing over us as we seek to do the same in His name.
17 The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
This Messiah, God’s Son, came to earth the first time to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins and shortcomings. Through His death and resurrection, Christ grants us a pure righteousness, one that we do not earn or deserve. It is a complete gift that comes with our faith in Him. When Christ returns, it will be to rule and reign over His beloved and redeemed flock.
This meek carpenter’s son also came to live as an example of how the Father wishes each one of us to live. Jesus was fully God, yet fully human. He endured the same types of temptations that we do, actually much worse, as He got the full attention of the evil one himself. But in all this, Jesus did not sin.
When the good news of the gospel has been fully offered to all women and men around the globe and the Father determines that the time is right, Jesus will return to earth to take His rightful place as ruler over all creation, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Psalm 2 helps us to be prepared and ready for when He arrives.
12 Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12 (NKJV)
Reflection
What can we do to get ready for when Jesus returns as global leader? He told us that He will come at a time when we least expect it. He also asked aloud if He would find any faith on earth when He comes (Luke 18:8).
Who has God placed in your path that needs your assistance to get back on their feet or to strengthen their faith?
Father God, guide our steps as we seek to strengthen ourselves and others to prepare for the return of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to rule and reign on the earth. Thank You for making us a citizen of this eternal kingdom by faith. May You be glorified and praised for Your divine creation, mercy, forgiveness, and love. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 