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.
This Psalm shows the sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The unrighteous turn away from the Lord. They live as if are accountable to no one but themselves. We have seen that much of late with so many people defying the law, assaulting police and first responders, stealing the property of others, and murdering and committing acts of violence without any sense of remorse. The have no idea that the Lord will hold them accountable for what they do for in this life they will reap sorrow, despair, and suffering, and, unless they repent of their sins and turn to Christ, will reap the same in eternity. The same fate awaits all those rulers, politicians, presidents, generals, kings, celebrities, and media talking heads. So many of them ignore God’s Word, thinking they know what is best while living lives marked by blatant hypocrisy. They deign to tell others how to live while indulging in dishonesty, lies, and sexual immorality.
The Lord commands the righteous to avoid associating with such people, imitating them or seeking their counsel. The wisdom and strength of the righteous come from the Lord. he alone is a sure and steadfast anchor of truth and wisdom. Although the righteous will suffer persecution, pain, and trials, they are well prepared for them. Their confidence and trust is in the Lord so when they suffer, they do not suffer alone. He is the first one they turn to in time of crisis. He never deserts those who trust Him even though He is silent. The Lord is a sure comfort who will uphold them and carry them through these bitter storms of life.