Psalm 2:12     Here is a curious instruction commanding the rulers and leaders to, “Kiss His Son or He will be angry ……….” In the time of David, a kiss was a sign of submission to a higher being. Thus, worshippers kissed their idols, humble peasants kissed the feet of their king and lesser courtiers kissed the hand or the cheek of their “betters”. This verse is therefore asking for the obeisance of all appointed heads of state in acknowledgement that there is One who is greater, to whom they owe allegiance. The consequences of ignorance or disobedience are frightening! The Son will be angry, the reign of the ruler will lead to destruction.  Rulers, more than any of us, are accountable to the Lord who will take action against them. There are devastating verses in Revelation 6:15-17 that show that this is no idle threat. “Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb.” For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”

V13     The Psalm ends with a wonderful blessing, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”  The Hebrew word “blessed” literally means praiseworthy and this is a call for us all to trust in the authority and government of our heavenly Lord.   Even human leaders can be labelled praiseworthy if they follow the Son!

Lord God, if we look at the current state of our world we have every reason to be fearful.  The awful destructive power of the nations, the increasing erosion of your creation and the religious hatred between nations appear to be unstoppable.  And so, we pray for the rulers of the nations that we may live peaceable lives, but we are aware that, in this world, peace is short lived.  Thank You, Almighty God that You are greater than the enemy, that You know all of his plans, that You have already taken the steps needed to bring him to destruction.  Thank You that as this world hurtles towards its final showdown, we can rest assured that You have the strategy for victory and evil cannot and will not prevail.  Thank You that YOU WILL INSTAL YOUR KING ON ZION. We pray today for the peace of Jerusalem and we pray for ourselves that we will never waver in our faith and hope in You. You alone are our refuge. Praise be to Your name. 

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