Psalm 2

“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.’” Psalm 2:1-3 (NKJV)

I have heard it said by various church leaders that Christians should be known more for what they are “for” than what they are “against  .”Their point is that Christians have a negative image in the world and that non-believers’ perception of us is that we are always negative: “Don’t do this or that….”  That may be the case in some instances. I have met quite a few negative, unloving Christians. However, the cure for the world’s perception of us is not that we must engage in increased levels of positive conversation. They will rage against us regardless! The psalmist (in this case, David) tells us that the nations have ALWAYS plotted against the Lord and His people, not because of our rhetoric, but because they perceive God’s Word as restraining them from the so-called “happiness’ offered by Satan and his demonic fleshly influence in the world. Satan always promises high and delivers low.

The reality is that God does not “bind us in cords” to keep us from enjoying life, as the world suggests. Yes, God’s Word (including our freedom in Christ) commands us to be disciplined and adhere to certain restrictions and prohibitions. Those guidelines are given to enhance and ensure our joy, not keep us from it! He describes His Word as leading us gently, with bands of love, not dragging (or restricting) us from fun.

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. As they called them, so they went from them; they sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to carved images. I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.”  Hosea 11:1-4 (NKJV)

The prophet Hosea described how the Northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) had forsaken God, choosing the so-called “unrestricted freedom” of worldly idolatry against the ordered worship of the Lord. In the end, Assyria (whose false gods Ephraim had worshipped) defeated the Northern kingdom and took them away captive. The world’s promised freedom always leads to bondage far worse than any “burden” the Lord would require. Satan only seeks to trap and control you, keeping you from the blessings of a Godly life. Perhaps that is why Jesus’ words were so comforting to many people in His generation and ours as well.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)