Unlike human plans, intricate and multi-faceted, based on the human wisdom of fallible people, open-ended and uncertain of ultimate success, God’s masterplan is guaranteed to work. Let’s examine what He has done.

Psalm 2 is a masterful presentation of God’s universal plan to restore everything, but He has opposition.

Psalms 2:1-3 NLT
[1] “Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? [2] The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. [3] “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

The nations, under the influence of evil spirit beings, led by the most powerful of them, rebelled against God’s instruction to rule in righteousness. Instead, they led the nations astray. Earthly rulers were determined to throw off God’s yoke, to take over the earth, and to establish their own rules. This was Adam’s choice gone universal.

God’s plan is to push the “reset button”, to restore the universe, and the earth in the universe, to its original perfection and purpose. How will He accomplish this?

Psalms 2:4-5 NLT
[4] “But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. [5] Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury.”

God is not fazed by human opposition. He is first amused at their arrogant but pathetic efforts to throw off His authority. They rise up in rebellion, shake their fists at God, and make threatening noises, like kittens mewing at a storm.

Then, He is enraged. How dare puny humans, be they kings or any other authority figures, think they can out-manoeuvre God? Who do they think they are? Do they really believe they can overthrow His power and take over the universe?

Perhaps God should ask earthly kings the same questions He asked Job. “Where were you…? What part did you play in the creation of all earth’s wonders? Were you in on the planning of each intricately-fashioned plant and animal, and proclaimed into being by a spoken word…in six days! So, how do you think you can take over the running of the earth, let alone the universe, when you don’t even know how or when it began or how it works!”

Instead of being blabbermouths, this mighty God should stun them into silence and submission by His mighty power! But, no, they think they can outsmart Him, and He seems to be doing nothing!

God’s response is not what we expect. God’s plan is not an intricate strategy or a massive display of power. God’s plan is far more simple than that. God’s plan is a man.

Psalms 2:6-9 NLT
[6] For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

What! Is that all? How can a man defend God’s universe against a coalition of all the most powerful rulers on earth?

Wait. He is not just a man. He is “the man, Christ Jesus”. Who is this man, this king who will stand against all the powers and weapons on earth, and win?

This man is God come to earth in a human body…

Philippians 2:6-7 NLT
[6] “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. [7] Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”

This man lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father. This man’s life qualified Him to be the atoning sacrifice for our sin. This man died in place of all sinners to reconcile us to God.

Philippians 2:7-8 NLT
[7]”…When he appeared in human form, [8] he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

The Father vindicated this man’s life and death by raising Him from the dead.

Romans 1:3-4 NLT
[3] “The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, [4] and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The Father gave this man the greatest reward possible.

Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
[9]” Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus claimed that authority and send His disciples out to tell the world who is in charge and to call all people to repentance and faith in Him.

Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
[18] Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

God’s plan in a nutshell….Jesus.

God, the Father, put Jesus, the Son, in authority over the entire creation, including galaxies of stars, and planets. That means that His rule is absolute.

Hebrews 1:1-3 NLT
[1] “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. [2] And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. [3] The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”

“He sat down…” Sitting means resting, work complete, authority established, nothing more to do! God’s kingdom is a theocracy, not a democracy. He rules, not people. God settled that issue, once and forever.

So…

[7] “The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. [8] Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. [9] You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’”

Since Jesus’ rule is established, forever, absolute, God warns the opposition to submit or perish. There is no alternative.

Psalms 2:10-12 NLT
[10] Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! [11] Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities— for his anger flares up in an instant…. “

There is a terrifying end to those who persist in their rebellion, the wrath of the Lamb.

Revelation 6:15-17 NLT
[15]”Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. [16] And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. [17] For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”

God’s MASTERPLAN…the man, Christ Jesus the Lord.

Revelation 19:11-16 NLT
[11] Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. [12] His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. [13] He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. [14] The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. [15] From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. [16] On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.”

His rule is absolute, His judgment final. All opposition will be permanently crushed.

And what of those who submit to His rule?

“But what joy for all who take refuge in him!”

Jesus doesn’t take sides. We do!