PREVIEW: Scripture defines a fool as one who rejects God’s rule, denies God’s reality, defies God’s moral code, and mocks God’s judgment. In Psalm 2, King David pours out his complaint against the rulers of nations who have set themselves in opposition to God. He calls them fools. By his definition, the fool is no idiot; he or she is one who deliberately rejects God’s rightful rule, denies God’s reality, defies God’s moral code, and taunts God’s judgment. And he offers those fools this sober warning: “What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange their leaders should try to outwit God, calling a summit to plot against his plan. … But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans.” (Psalm 2:1-4) Wouldn’t you agree that we’re living in a time when far too many fools rule from their seats of power? And like me, you’re frustrated that there’s not much we can do about all the fools running around and ruining things these days — ruling in high places of government, finance, cultural influence, and even spiritual leadership. But whenever we get frustrated with all the foolishness we’re forced to endure, pause to remember that it is God who truly rules. And when he finally brings all the foolishness to its deserving end, we will have found blessed refuge in him because he rules in the most important place — the throne of our hearts.
A Journey of Worship // Psalm 2:1-4 (Living Bible)
What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God! For a summit conference of the nations has been called to plot against the Lord and his Messiah, Christ the King. “Come, let us break his chains,” they say, “and free ourselves from all this slavery to God.” But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans.
In light of the times in which we live, with all the godless and foolish leadership occupying seats of power, consider these potent words from Psalm 2:4 again: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”
In Psalm 14:1, David wrote, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”
Of course, David’s idea of a fool was different than ours — and much more serious. We speak of a fool as one who lacks intelligence, direction, and sound judgment. David, on the other hand, understood the fool to be one who lived willfully in complete disregard to God and his law. He ignored God’s rightful rule over his life, expressed an attitude that aggressively denied God’s reality, defied God’s moral code, and went so far as to even dare God to execute judgment.
By David’s definition, we are living in a time where there are a lot of fools running around. In fact, many of them seem to be running our country. They are in high places of government, finance, cultural influence, and even spiritual leadership.
But as powerful, popular, and prosperous as they might seem to be, they are still fools. David’s psalm reminds us of this sobering truth: God still rules. While the fools are seated in places of power, God is seated in the only place of power that really counts. And he scoffs at the unbelievable hubris and overt rebellion of these he created and provides their very moment-by-moment breath. He sits on the real and true throne, patiently waiting for them to repent but knowing they never will.
Psalm 2 speaks of that time when God’s patience will finally come to its end, and then he will indeed execute judgment on those who have dared and defied him for so long. When that time comes, it won’t be a pretty picture. As you read Psalm 2, you will not be reading a very happy psalm.
Yet there is hope strategically placed within David’s song. This psalm of divine judgment is also a contrasting psalm of eternal optimism. Embedded in David’s diatribe is also an invitation to live wisely (v. 10 — as opposed to how the fool lives) by serving God gladly (v. 11 — contrasted with the defiant rebelliousness of sinful man) and the promise that all who willingly do will find “blessed” (happiness, favor, and eternal joy) “refuge” (a safe and secure place) in him (v.12).
There is not much you and I can do about all the fools running around and ruining things these days, but whenever we get frustrated with all the foolishness we are forced to endure, we can be reminded that it is God who rules. And when he finally brings all the foolishness to its deserving end, we will have found blessed refuge in him, because he rules in the most important place — the throne of our hearts.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.