Easter 2
Worship
Aids To The Psalms
Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rules take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
"Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us."
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
"I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."
I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, "You are my son,
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling kiss his feet,
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
Alternate Image
The Singer attends a summit conference. She meets with other heads of state: presidents, kings and queens, prime ministers, emperors, chiefs, dictators, governors and monarchs. Relaxing socially after a meeting, the leaders share their concerns, their frustrations of leading their people. One complains that his nation is clamoring for more freedom. Another grumbles that her country demands more personal income and products. Another complains she does not receive the respect due her office. One gripes he does not have enough power to accomplish what he would like. Others complain about plots to overthrow them. The Singer begins to sing to them her song. Her melody tells the leaders, if they are true leaders they are God's gift to a nation. Leaders are living agents of God's covenant with God's people. She sings of freedom, a freedom that is only found in obedience to God, a true freedom that is in harmony with God's divine plan. The song expresses mirth and fury over people's inability to understand their own selfishness and lack of love. The melody builds and calls the national leaders to humility; chosen leaders must bow before God; authorities must develop their spirituality and seek God's will and guidance. Some leaders look at the Singer with contemptuous amusement; great leaders don't sing sentimental folk tunes. Other potentates just continue their conversation over what they consider mere background music. Yet others listen closely to her words and nod their heads approvingly. The latter are wise, the anointed.
Reflection
Almost all people have a curious love-hate relationship with their political leaders. We will engage in furious passionate debate about the superiority of our chosen candidates for office and the deficiencies of their opponents. Upon election we grade our leaders according to our priorities and values, heaping praise or blame on them according to their work on our vested interests. And, unfortunately, we often receive the leadership we deserve. There is a major difference between secular and sacred views of leadership. Sacred leaders understand that leadership means service to those they lead. They are servants, not masters. Sacred leaders turn to God for inspiration and guidance to be faithful in their office. How many sacred leaders do we have today? Do we really want them?
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rules take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
"Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us."
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
"I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."
I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, "You are my son,
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling kiss his feet,
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
Alternate Image
The Singer attends a summit conference. She meets with other heads of state: presidents, kings and queens, prime ministers, emperors, chiefs, dictators, governors and monarchs. Relaxing socially after a meeting, the leaders share their concerns, their frustrations of leading their people. One complains that his nation is clamoring for more freedom. Another grumbles that her country demands more personal income and products. Another complains she does not receive the respect due her office. One gripes he does not have enough power to accomplish what he would like. Others complain about plots to overthrow them. The Singer begins to sing to them her song. Her melody tells the leaders, if they are true leaders they are God's gift to a nation. Leaders are living agents of God's covenant with God's people. She sings of freedom, a freedom that is only found in obedience to God, a true freedom that is in harmony with God's divine plan. The song expresses mirth and fury over people's inability to understand their own selfishness and lack of love. The melody builds and calls the national leaders to humility; chosen leaders must bow before God; authorities must develop their spirituality and seek God's will and guidance. Some leaders look at the Singer with contemptuous amusement; great leaders don't sing sentimental folk tunes. Other potentates just continue their conversation over what they consider mere background music. Yet others listen closely to her words and nod their heads approvingly. The latter are wise, the anointed.
Reflection
Almost all people have a curious love-hate relationship with their political leaders. We will engage in furious passionate debate about the superiority of our chosen candidates for office and the deficiencies of their opponents. Upon election we grade our leaders according to our priorities and values, heaping praise or blame on them according to their work on our vested interests. And, unfortunately, we often receive the leadership we deserve. There is a major difference between secular and sacred views of leadership. Sacred leaders understand that leadership means service to those they lead. They are servants, not masters. Sacred leaders turn to God for inspiration and guidance to be faithful in their office. How many sacred leaders do we have today? Do we really want them?
