Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 2:1-6
Ps 2:1-6
1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed one. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
Dan 4:28-30, 33, 37
28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" 33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Several years ago, there was a bear spotted on a farm in Ohio. The neighbors were warned so nothing bad would happen. One of the neighbors had a rottweiler, which can be a pretty ferocious animal. Not long after the bear had been seen, the dog was found mauled and dead. This dog, though bred to hunt lions and other big animals, was no match for the strength of a bear.
To be honest, I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that God is in control of the nations and the rulers of these nations. He has allowed some very bad people to rule and do atrocious things, which makes it difficult to understand in my mind. While our nation has had some good and some bad leaders (at least by our standards) elected to office, not a one of them has gotten there without the consent of God. For them, this means there is no place for pride. For us, it means we are to show them respect, not because we agree or disagree with them, but (Paul says) because of conscience sake. God said for us to do this.
O Lord God keep me from being proud. Help me remember that you are in control of things all around me. I know that you allow evil to be a part of my world because Satan is the prince of this world. I know that there are good leaders and there are wicked leaders. I pray that you give us leaders in our country that will seek your wisdom and allow us to live in peace. Protect your people from all evil and give us greater faith to follow you. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
