Psalm 2:1-6 We Are the Princes of the Universe

¹ Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
² The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.
³ “Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

⁴ But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.
⁵ Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.
⁶ For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
    in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”         Psalm 2:1-6

There are times in scripture where words have dual meanings. This is sometimes (but not always) true referring to kings of the earth, or princes of the air (Eph 2:2). Today’s passage could be taken literally, and be applicable in today’s political climate of unending saber-rattling, world leaders fighting against each other and even God.

Countries, including our own, stand against Him more often than we might realize. They might outlaw religion altogether, as many communist countries do; persecute people with beliefs other than their own; or using one’s faith, or lack of it, to win elections. Always to gain control over others. Those under such leadership, everywhere, see this play out with a sense of helplessness.

God laughs at all of it. Jesus is already in charge, of our hearts and over our eternities. One day He will rule it directly from a throne here on Earth. Nothing people can do or say will change that. Jesus instructs us to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20) because He knows this eventual moment in time will arrive sooner than we expect.

There’s another way of reading “kings of the earth,” however. The writer could be referring to our spiritual enemies, Satan and his gang of demonic henchmen, who have one apparent purpose for existence: to break away from God and take as many of us as possible with them. Everything God does in our life, every good and wonderful work, these beings seem intent on undoing, including our relationship with Jesus.

If you believe in God then you must believe in the demonic world. Jesus speaks of it – and to it – too often in scripture to dismiss. These “critters,” as my wife likes to call them, work against us mentally, emotionally, even physically (if one believes certain diseases are spiritual in nature). These creatures are not true “kings.” They are broken, desperate beings who have no real power except influence. They want to live vicariously through people, in ways which are antithetical to God’s plans.

There’s good news in all this, however. Whenever the human rulers of this world, or the unseen demonic forces of the “sky” work against Him, God scoffs at their exploits. He’s already won with Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus knew this as He walked with us on earth. He rebuked demons, exercised power over them, and gave us the power to do the same.

We should remember this image of God’s view towards anything which has plans against Him, earthly or spiritual.  Through Jesus, we are members of His family, and so are Princes and Princesses of the Creator Himself. There is nothing that can hold power over or destroy our eternal relationship with Him.

Never be fearful; never feel powerless. We can, and should, be bold and confident to rebuke any king who comes against us, and Him.

Prayer

Lord, do not let our enemy make us forget what You have called us to be: Your sons and daughters. We are princes of the universe, the true rulers of Your kingdom here on earth, and no force or principality can ever come against us. (Eph 6:12)