Esotropiart

Psalm 2

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
"Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us."

He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
"As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill."

I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
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.

I have little control over what my government chooses. It is true that I have some persuasion via my vote as a citizen. Even so, in truth I have very insignificant ability to affect the spiritual direction of this country, prayer being the exception.

I don't see it as my personal mission of holiness to rid my government of anyone who does not wholeheartedly serve my God and King. I do not expect the government of the United States to model a perfect theocracy. Such a lofty hope will end in constant disappointment and disillusion. Our leaders in general are not led by a conscience that is fully subject to the God of Israel, nor is Jesus Christ (the King of kings and Lord of lords) their heralded and unquestionable Lord. In fact, Psalm 2 is probably an unfortunately accurate description of many of our leaders and the condition of their hearts. Power breeds corruption, and no earthly government is free.

While I live in this world, my flesh abiding in a particular country of residence, I am am subject to its laws. I must respect the appointed leaders and abide by their laws unless I am forced to break God's higher laws.

While I cannot change the allegiance of my entire nation, I can control my own choices. I can choose to set God as my King and supreme Commander. Each choice in life can be broken down into two essential possibilities. Am I acting with an attitude of "breaking God's chains", or am I "kissing the Son"?

Most of the time I know what the right thing to do is. I know God's law far better than I know the endless laws of my earthly country or state. The law of the Lord is written in my heart, so I have no excuse. When I choose to sin, I am acting as foolishly as a corrupt leader who raises his fist to God to defy Him. In these moments, I am committing the same atrocity Israel did when they asked Samuel for a king to rule them. In a brief moment, the allegiance of my mind and heart are lost, and my theocracy broken. Sometimes I choose to "break God's chains" and set myself up as a temporary king. Sometimes I think my way is better than His. In my supreme foolishness I fail to trust God to meet all my needs and seek instant gratification.

Lord God, you have kissed me with Your Spirit. When I chose to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord by virtue of His victory over death, I officially crowned Him as King of my heart and life. As Joshua said, I attempted to repeat, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".

Master, forgive my pride. Many times I have pretended that You do not see. The things I do and the choices I make do not always reflect the changed heart You have created in me. When I sin, it is like jumping, grabbing for Your crown. Forgive me, your foolish child. I want to kiss your ring again and bow before your majesty. You are the King of kings. Everyone will bow before You when you return in power. It is inevitable. I pray that I need not such an event to pledge my allegiance. Subjugate me now by accepting my humble request to take over. Fill my empty hands, lift me up. If I am Your child and brother, give me a purpose in Your Kingdom that brings honor to You. In spite of the honors You bestow on me as Your child, I am not Your equal. I reject my pride and offer my life in servitude. Thank You for being a loving and merciful Master.

Why should I break Your chains when You have already broken mine? You have set me free! I am compelled to use my freedom to serve You. I don't want to be free of You. To lack You as my Lord and pursue my own way is not freedom, but bondage. Perhaps that is why You laugh at the nations who plot in vain. Their plot against You is a plot for their ruin. The chains they seek to break are the last ones holding them up as they swing over the abyss. Hosanna! Save us Lord from our folly!

As for You, You have set Your King on Zion, Your holy hill. As for me and my house, we will serve this King.