By Jane Fryar
Worldviews provide a framework, a lens through which people make sense of the countless, confusing, often random details in life.
Psalm 2 provides that kind of lens. It divides humans into two camps: those who rage against the Lord (verses 1–3) and those who worship him, taking refuge in his Messiah (verse 12).
We may be tempted to dismiss the psalmist as a bit paranoid. Raging? Really? But then, we look around. The rage, the plotting, the rebellion rampant in our world leaps to our attention.
Judges and legislators. Entertainers and pundits. Professors and comedians. The assaults on us, God’s people of faith, come from all quarters. Or maybe not. Notice the exact wording of verse 2 (ESV):
The rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed.
All the raging we observe is not really directed at us. Instead, it focuses on the Lord and on his Anointed One - the Messiah, our Savior. When we find ourselves in the crosshairs, our Lord takes note. And he takes attacks against us very personally:
Truly, one who touches you touches the apple of my eye (Zechariah 2:8 NRSV).
Do you want to poke God in the eye?! Pick on one of his children! Do you think he might not notice? Think again!
This reassurance means we need not be defensive. When we experience opposition, we need not cower in fear or withdraw into our own little Christian circles. Instead, we can continue to be salt and light in the communities into which our Lord has called us and our church:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. . . . In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14–16 ESV).
Prayer starter: Father, make my witness and the witness of my congregation strong, bold, and seasoned with the kindness of our Savior, especially when . . .
Editor’s note: Today’s devotion comes from CTA’s brand-new book Created for Community. The devotion book and digital teaching tools come together to form a five-week experience that will encourage your worshipers to love, worship, and serve together - inside and outside your church walls. Check it out today!
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Editor’s note:
