September 13, 2022

Hello Advent Family,

Perhaps the aspect of God’s nature that I tend to focus on in these daily devotionals is God’s great love for us.  God’s love is amazing and incredible.  I think one aspect that we sometimes don’t spend enough time thinking about is the sovereignty and power of God.  Psalm 2 focuses our thoughts in this way.  Let’s look at it together today.

Why do the nations conspire
    and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

“Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.

He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

“I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
    today I have become your father.

Ask me,
    and I will make the nations your inheritance,
    the ends of the earth your possession. 

You will break them with a rod of iron;
    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

Therefore, you kings, be wise;
    be warned, you rulers of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear
    and celebrate his rule with trembling.

Kiss his son, or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

This is often referred to as a Messianic Psalm not only speaking to the power of God the Father but also Jesus the Messiah.  God’s awesome power can lead to fear and reverence for Him In this case the Psalmist is calling us to obedience because of God’s power.  When you combine the idea of God’s great love for us with His incredible power to me that is a very comforting idea.  The strongest, being in existence, with limitless power loves me desperately.   That truly is something that can bring comfort.  I hope it does for you today.

 
In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

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