Psalm 2 begins with God’s reminder that the world is full of rebellion, but none of it threatens His born again children and none of it should cause fear—not for a moment:
“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.” Psalms 2:1-4
When our life is hidden in Christ, nothing the enemies of God do can ultimately threaten us and cause us fear. They roar as if they are mighty—but God calls it vain, empty, and powerless. They imagine they can break God’s rule, overthrow His authority, and erase His name from the earth. This isn’t just foolish; it is impossible. And God’s response? “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh.” This is not laughter of cruelty—but laughter of unshakable confidence. God knows the end from the beginning. His purposes cannot fail.
And when we belong to God, we live under the shelter of that same invincible certainty; in fact, we can live in courage even under the most powerful, evil ruler.
History gives us one of the most dramatic examples in the life of the Emperor Diocletian. Born simply as Diocles, he later exalted himself by taking the grand imperial name Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus, a self-elevating title meant to project power, legitimacy, and divine authority. Diocletian reigned from A.D. 284–305 and unleashed one of the most savage, systematic persecutions of Christians the world has ever seen. He was so absolutely convinced he had destroyed Christianity that he even ordered a medal to be struck with the inscription: “The name of Christianity being extinguished.” He erected two monumental pillars on the western frontier of the Roman Empire boasting of his supposed victory. The inscriptions read: “Diocletian Jovian Maximian Herculeus Caesares Augusti, for having extended the Roman Empire in the east and the west and for having extinguished the name of Christians who brought the Republic to ruin,” and again, “for having everywhere abolished the superstition of Christ and for having extended the worship of the gods.”
Diocletian’s monuments were meant to proclaim the permanent defeat of Christ and His followers, yet today he is little more than a historical footnote, while the name of Jesus is worshiped across every continent. His arrogance stands as a reminder that no earthly power can silence the Gospel or oppose God’s purpose. His Kingdom fell-but God’s Kingdom endures forever.
God’s enemies always imagine they are stronger than God; yet every one of them is eventually proven powerless.
Yet, God loves His enemies and wants to give them mercy. Indeed, the Bible makes it clear that we were ALL once His enemies before we were born again:
“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” Colossians 1:21-22
God owes rebellious humanity nothing—but He still calls us all to repentance. His wrath is righteous, but His heart is merciful. His hope for us lies in Jesus, the King of Kings:
“Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.” Psalms 2:6-8
The world lifts its fist against God, but God’s answer is simple and final: “I have set My King.” The throne is filled. My Kingdom is secure. Defiant rulers must bend. The enemies of God have no future except through repentance. We have nothing to fear. God gives us His great comfort in a powerful invitation:
“Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” Psalms 2:10-12
Believers never need to fear God’s enemies. They are already defeated. We have won. We live with a deep and abiding knowledge of that victory when King Jesus is on the throne of our heart. When He reigns in our home, our thoughts, our words, our work, our free time, our friend groups, and every aspect of our lives—we live in HIS victory!
No enemy can steal the victory from one who has the mind of Christ!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your mercy toward me. Give me Your perspective. Reveal to me Your power. Thank You that Your purposes cannot fail. Give me a vision of Your throne. Teach me to do Your will in every area of my life. Fill me with Your courage, confidence, and joy. Help me remember that You love all Your enemies, and make me a vessel of Your mercy even when they scare me. May I trust You completely and follow You into any fire. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
