THE PSALMS – A JOURNEY IN WORSHIP AND FAITH - Why Does the World Hate Jesus?

July 25, 2014 – Day 2

 Psalm 2

Why does the world hate Jesus? Psalm 2 provides the simple answer. Verse 1 asks the question;
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” Verse 2-3 give the answer; “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us."

I think the NLT Bible translation of verse 3 makes very clear the answer. Psalm 2:3
“Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

The world does not want to be told what to do. Let’s face it; for the most part sin is fun and feels good. The world wants to tell us we do not need Jesus judging us. How often as a Christian do you hear that one? “Don’t judge me”, they say. “Who are you to tell me what’s right and wrong.” I don’t know about you but I am tired of hearing that. So what we have now is a fast moving process in our culture that is headed down the path to a day when anything goes. If you do not believe that talk with someone who grew up before WWII. Adultery, homosexuality, pornography, and drug abuse are all examples of how far down the pit we have fallen. Yes, those things were in existence before, but they were kept in the dark and not nearly as available as they are now.

Psalm 2:2
“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed…”

This is a messianic psalm. Jesus is God’s anointed. The world wants no part in Him.

But God is the one still in control. He put those kings and rulers in place. Romans 13:1 tells that “…there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”

God is not happy with those who plot against Him.

Psalm 2:4-6
He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.
Then He will speak to them in His anger And terrify them in His fury, saying,
"But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain."

God has installed His son, Jesus upon His holy mountain and listen to the prophecy of what will become of these foolish rulers. Here is God’s instruction to Jesus concerning these things.

Psalm 2:7-9
“I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Next a warning to those, especially those who are in government;

Psalm 2:10-12
“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.”

But Psalm 2 ends with good news. “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

So even though it appears the world and its leaders are getting away with all this…this Psalm tells us they will answer for their rejection of Christ and of His Word and ways. I leave you with the words of Daniel that further support this Psalm.

Daniel 2:20-21
Daniel said, "Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.”

Take refuge in Him…Jesus. The sure and true hope.