The second Psalm is often quoted by the writers of the New Testament. It contains, in a very short form, the best advice ever given to the nations of the world. It captures the turmoil of the nations trying to find a way to make life work. There is hostility, tyranny, scheming, and endless debate. It sure sounds a lot like our times. Take time to read it:

Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?

and 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.” -Psalms 2:1-3

Nations Can Honor God Without Violating the Liberty of Conscience.

The lie of secularism is that to ensure personal freedom of choice, God and all standards of order that have been recognized by religion must be eliminated. The truth is that order has been evident well before religion recognized it. It is not necessary for everyone to personally ascribe to religious doctrines for social structures to operate by the laws of order. It has been plain since the beginning:

For what can be know about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. -Romans 1:19-20

The idea that everything contained in religion must be jettisoned for there to be objectivity, is silly. It makes God laugh.

He who sits in the heavens laughs;

The Lord holds them in derision. -Psalms 2:4

Godless Leaders Scheme, Based on Speculations From Impaired Thoughts

All sane people recognize that there is some problem with humanity. Different religions have different diagnoses, but all agree that there needs to be a solution for whatever ails mankind. The God of the Bible, the Lord of Israel, the Father of Jesus, the Judge of the whole earth, says that humans are fallen.

Given the choice to trust God explicitly or lean in to the serpent’s lie, the first pair fell from their exalted state and became alienated from God. Filled with fear and shame, they hid from God, and the race has been trying to find a way back to the peace and prosperity of Eden ever since.

In the unredeemed state, humans are self-obsessed and often illogical. Having rejected the “logos” (word) of God, which enables us to think logically, they constantly contradict themselves and think illogically to false conclusions. They propose that we can free ourselves by casting off the boundaries of divine design, blind to the fact that it is slavery to sin’s deception which drives such thinking. The freedom they fantasize about is nothing short of anarchy and chaos.

With no restraints, human depravity destroys the dreams of everyone. Ideologues plot ways to categorize people to control them. Identity politics is just the latest iteration of that failed scheme. When the various categories are vying for first place in the victimization race, hostility produces a revolutionary temper.

Persistent Presumption Brings Destruction

When all transcendent restraints are mocked, chaos is the only possible result. Historically, the solution has been tyranny. Some would-be savior steps in to bring order, and subjugates people to his or her whims.

At first there is relief, but it soon turns to disillusionment. Remember that many thought the communism first proposed by Russia would be the way of the future. Then we saw its deception bring death to millions. It is a terrible judgment when the Lord of creation gives fallen man what he demands.

Then he will speak to them in is wrath and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” -Psalms 2:5-6

God Has Acted to Establish a Nation of True Liberty

The human problem was solved by God becoming a human and doing whatever was necessary to reconcile humans to himself. His Son is established as king over all. He paid the price to restore humanity to its original intent. He, the Son of man, is now ruling from the right hand of the Father.

Those who “kiss the Son” are bowing in reverence to him, submitting to his order and finding the liberty the human heart has desired since that fatal fall in Eden. It is foolish to neglect or reject the king whom God set in place to rule the nations. It is freeing to know that we can again be partners with him in ruling the earth.

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. -Psalms 2:10-12

Good advice!