Our living God Pt 19: Rules are good.
Psalm 2:1-6 1Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, 3“Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” 4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
The people plot in vain
One of the important themes which resonates throughout God’s Word is the futility of human rebellion against God. When we think about the word “plot,” we might imagine secret meetings, whispered plans, and schemes hatched in the shadows. That’s exactly the image Psalm 2 paints. The nations—which represent worldly powers and rulers—are conspiring together, trying to find a way to break free from God’s authority. But the psalmist makes it clear that these plots are doomed to fail. They are “in vain,” meaning they are pointless, useless, and without any chance of success.
God’s power is without limit, so of course any rebellion is doomed to failure. Whether human or Satanic, no rebellion has any chance of success. No human king, no government, and no worldly power can ever hope to overthrow Him. Yet, throughout history, people have tried. From ancient empires that worshiped false gods to modern societies that reject biblical values, humanity has a long track record of rebelling against God’s rule. But every attempt has ended in failure, and it always will. God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
No matter how powerful or influential someone might be, they are still subject to God’s authority. The Bible warns us that pride and arrogance lead to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). When people plot against God, they are setting themselves up for defeat. Instead of rebelling, we are called to humble ourselves, acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and submit to His will.
People see Godly precepts as shackles
In verse 3 of Psalm 2, we hear the rebellious voices of the nations and their rulers: “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” This verse reveals a key reason why people rebel against God—they see His commandments as chains that restrict their freedom. To them, following God’s ways feels like being tied down, unable to do what they want. This mindset is not new. It goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God because they wanted to be “like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). Instead of trusting that God’s rules were for their good, they believed the serpent’s lie that God was holding them back. Sadly, people still fall for that same lie today.
Many people think that living according to God’s Word will somehow diminish their lives. They view His commandments as outdated, restrictive, or irrelevant. They want to be free to live however they please, without anyone telling them what to do. But what they don’t realize is that true freedom comes from obeying God, not from rebelling against Him. God created us, and He knows what is best for us. His commandments are not meant to burden us but to guide us toward the life we were created to live. When we follow His ways, we experience peace, joy, and true freedom. The reason we experience these things is that God’s ways protect us from the unpleasant consequences which come from alcohol or drug abuse, or association with undesirable people. But when we reject His rules, we end up in spiritual bondage, trapped by sin and its consequences.
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Real freedom comes from knowing the truth—and the truth is found in God’s Word. When we obey Him, we are not shackled; we are set free from the things that truly enslave us, like sin, fear, and guilt.
God has installed His King
The final section of these verses shifts the focus from the rebellious nations to God’s ultimate plan. In verse 6, God declares, “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” This is a powerful statement that reveals God’s response to human rebellion. Despite all the plotting and scheming of the nations, God remains firmly in control. He has chosen His King, and nothing can change that. So, who is this King? In the immediate context, this verse likely refers to King David or one of his descendants. God made a covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). But the ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and His reign will never end.
When Jesus came to earth, He announced that the kingdom of God had arrived (Mark 1:15). But His kingdom was different from what people expected. It was not a political kingdom, and Jesus did not come to overthrow earthly rulers. Instead, He came to defeat sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, He won the ultimate victory and secured His place as the rightful King.
Today, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, reigning as King over all creation (Ephesians 1:20-22). One day, He will return to establish His kingdom in its fullness, and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Until that day, we are called to live as citizens of His kingdom, obeying His commands and sharing the good news of His reign with others.
Psalm 2 reminds us that God’s plan cannot be stopped. No matter how much people rebel or how chaotic the world may seem, God is still on the throne, and His purposes will prevail. This is a source of great comfort and hope for believers. We don’t have to be afraid, because we know that our King is victorious.
What about me?
Psalm 2:1-6 is a powerful passage that speaks to the timeless struggle between human rebellion and God’s authority. It warns us about the futility of opposing God, reminds us that true freedom comes from obeying His Word, and assures us that Jesus is the King who reigns over all. In a world that often seems out of control, we can find peace and confidence in knowing that God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He intends. Our job is to trust Him, submit to His rule, and share the hope of His kingdom with a world that desperately needs it.
This trusting, submitting, and sharing plays out in our lives when we just stop and think. How do I approach this situation? Is my normal response something that Jesus would do? Also, it’s all about attitude. If we think God’s precepts are restrictive, we probably won’t follow them. If we think they are helpful guidelines, we will. What is your choice?