Psalm 2

If Boice is right that a) Psalm 2 was orginally part of Psalm 1 and b) that this is a Messianic psalm, then that puts a bit of a new light on Psalm 1 as well. In that psalm, the truly blessed one is, of course, Christ. Now in the second part we see the reaction of those who walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand with the sinners and sit to mock. These are those who openly rebel against God.

"Why do the nations rage?" (It still reminds me of the Rich Mullins tune, but that's another story.) The Psalmist points out the pointlessness of the rebellion. Even God is laughing at their pathetic shouts against Him. I get the visual image of a lopsided fistfight with the big kid holding a wildly swinging smaller kid at bay by simply placing his palm against the little boy's forehead and keeping him at arm's length. How pathetic we are to try to lash out against God! How foolish to try to get rid of the influence of His Son!

What are we to do? Be wise. Be warned. Serve the Lord with fear. Rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son. So many people have such a hard time with this teaching. The "It'll never happen to me" Syndrome never seems to be cured.

After a fiery speech about God's wrath, the psalm ends with a simple line, "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Yes, His wrath is great against those who rebel, but for those who come to Him and allow Him to be their refuge (instead of proudly attempting to take care of themselves) we see fulfilling happiness -- blessedness.