Psalm 2:1-4
Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
The presidential election is a month away. Accusations of uncaring elitism are launched one direction while charges of divisive class warfare are aimed back. In the mean time people riot in the streets of Egypt and other middle-east countries and religious zealots threaten: “Death to America!” We are the great Satan according to them. Those who espouse a radical Islamic faith wish to take counsel against the Lord and his Anointed. For the Lord’s Anointed is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
These radicals want nothing to do with Jesus. Nor do the irreligious and imoral people our own nation. These purvey a more hidden terrorism of sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, prostitution, and enslavement. They do not merely rail against human authority and law, nor do they only abuse other people. They plot against God and seek to throw off his rule. Sad in every way.
Contrary to what I sometimes say while playing golf, Psalm 2:4 does not refer to God’s reaction to my swing or errant golf ball. While God may find some humor (OK, much cause for laughter!) in my golf game, the deeper meaning of God’s laughter has to do with his absolute rule over all, and the silliness of anyone thinking that they can overthrow him. It is a bemused chuckle at the silly antics of anyone who tries to undo the work of the King of kings. This is the knowing laughter of the One who has all things well in hand and who sees the machinations of human terrorists, rebels, and the ungodly for what they are. For these are the vain attempts of self-determination and king-making.
There will come an election next month. We will install our president on Capital Hill (not God’s holy mountain to be sure). But in the end the Lord reigns. His kingdom will endure for all generations. Those who are wise will serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. We who fear, love, and trust in God above all things will remember his reign and seek his kingdom, knowing that no matter the outcome our God reigns.
Psalm 2
Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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