“Why do the nations rage (assemble in a rebellious uproar) and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.’ He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, ‘As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.’ I will tell of the decree: The LORD 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, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, (An expression of honor and submission) lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

We certainly do live in a world that tumultuously assembles and riots; a world troubled and rebellious. This is a time in our nation where there is significant anger and division. What should be the response of Christians to this turmoil?

There may be many legitimate answers to that question, but I am sure that we can agree on the three following points. We must pray for our friends, neighbors, communities and country. Secondly, we need to remember to imitate Christ. We are intended to be His presence and light in this present darkness. Thirdly, it is imperative that we focus on the truths of God’s Word.

I hope that you will find the following two meditations from the Reformation Heritage Study Bible helpful.

“The world is full of opposition to Christ. Hence there is need for powerful and efficacious grace, to convict, enlighten, and persuade. Churches should therefore concentrate on gospel preaching and prayer for the work of the Holy Spirit. Whatever the opposition, no human power can ever nullify or undo the divine purpose. Are you allowing pessimism to affect you, or are you hanging on to the hope that Christ’s kingdom will prevail in every nation?”

“God commands all nations to submit to His Son. Let us begin with ourselves. Have we ‘Kissed the Son’? Have we obeyed His command to repent and believe? One day, maybe very soon, Christ will return as Judge. Will He find us still holding out against Him, or will He find us serving Him? Eternal destiny is linked to the Son…”