This psalm is an interesting dichotomy (contrast) between those empowered by this world, and those empowered by God.
“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… The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger… 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… or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction… Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (v1-12 abridged)
The Lord places people in positions of power and authority by delegating His power and authority through them. Those who who are referred to as “rulers of the earth” are people who are using their own power and authority (or false power/authority [Satan’s power]), rather than relying on God as their source.
I’m strongly reminded of how important it is to draw near to God and “take refuge in Him”, relying on His wisdom, strength, power and authority to guide and govern me, rather than trying to do things on my own. This false power/authority of this world (Satan) may seem to work for a time, but ultimately it will not prevail. The passage is clear that those who rely on the wrong source of strength will become subject to those who are under God’s true source of strength and authority (they will be broken and then ruled by a rod of iron).
In Rev 2:26-27, Jesus quotes this Psalm “To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations – that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’ – just as I have received authority from my Father.” Jesus is saying that He fulfills God’s requirements and has received the Father’s full power and authority.
My prayer for today is that I learn to fully submit myself to the Father’s will and leading, so that His power and authority can work in and through me – not because I want to rule over the nations, but because I want to be on the side of the one true God, not the side of the world (Satan/false gods) that will ultimately be destroyed.
~ Conqueror in Training