Psalm two said so, part I
Where the blessing of Psalm 1 revolves entirely around the individual, the blessing of Psalm 2 is cosmic in its scope. It appears at first as a political plot (“the nations rage...the peoples plot...the kings of the earth...the rulers”). But ultimately, the whole of creation is swept up in the rule of God's chosen King. The lack of a clearly identified author or subject of the Psalm only emphasizes this cosmic dimension. The Psalmist declares:
“He who sits in the heavens laughs ... then he will speak...I will make...the ends of the earth your possession”
The King at the heart of Psalm 2, ruling with all the authority of the only God, is revealed as none other than Jesus in Mark 1:11. Psalm 2 is applied to Jesus here, along with (unexpectedly) Isaiah 42:1, a verse which speaks of a servant of absolute humility.
Absolute humility and absolute power: revealed in Jesus, who becomes king by offering the refuge of his death.
“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.“
(Psalm 2:12)
The disciples in Acts 4 understand the timeless nature of this Psalm and have no hesitation in applying its truths to the rulers and politicians of their day, Herod and Pontius Pilate. We may accept that the blessings of Psalm 1 apply in our small corner. Can we also accept that the blessings of Psalm 2 apply throughout the whole of creation? Let the politicians tremble, indeed—and let us take refuge in him, not in those who seem strong in the world's eyes.