June 29, 2016 (Wednesday)
Psalm 2 is a “Messianic” Psalm. That is, it is a psalm that tells us something about the coming Messiah.
Psalm 2 is about two kings: David and Jesus. In other words, it has a dual meaning. Primarily, in the time period in which it was written, it is clearly about King David’s reign being threatened by enemy kings. David sends a message to his enemies: do not fight me for in doing so you will be fighting God, who calls me his son and will defend me.
The Psalm is also about Jesus, the true Messiah. It is quoted in the New Testament and 
applied to Jesus. ( 2:1, 2 in Acts 4:25, 26) (2:7 in Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5 ; 5:5) 2:8,9 in Revelation 2:26, 27; 12:5; 19:15). In the psalm Jesus is identified as a king who is to be honored and as the son of God. The New Testament verses identify those who opposed him (Pilate and Herod) and confirm the declarations of Psalm 2.
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared at least eleven times. One of his first appearances was on the road to Emmaus, where he talked with two of his followers and revealed to them the Old Testament scriptures which had predicted his death, burial and resurrection. The Bible does not tell us which verses he quoted to them, but this Psalm is likely one of them.
When Jesus was being tried by the Romans, the governor, Pontius Pilate, asked him directly, “Are you a king?” Jesus replied, “”You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.” In other words Jesus in the king of our hearts, a spiritual king. As such, he is honored just as Psalm 2 declares he should be. The apostle, Paul, tells us: “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV).
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.”
7 The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. 8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. 9 You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.'”
10 Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! 11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities–for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!