I usually begin my day with a 3-5 mile run in and around Portland’s premiere greenway, Mt. Tabor Park. But on Fridays, I take a break from the trails and tarmac to give my upper body a workout at Cascade Health Club. The “stair master” is great for keeping my calves and quads in shape for backpacking and mountain climbing during the summer.
This morning as I started stepping up, up, and up, I couldn’t help noticing that five of the nine televisions were providing live coverage of the public impeachment hearings. The stated purpose of these public hearings is to present sufficient incriminating evidence against President Trump that the American citizens will support his impeachment.
As I watched the hearings, I couldn’t help but think of the words of King David in Psalm 2:4 where he declares, “He who sits in heaven laughs.” Who is David referring to? He is referring to God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe. You may be surprised to discover that God actually has a sense of humor and laughs.
As you read Psalm 2, you discover what God is laughing about. He is laughing at the nations and their rulers who are focused on devising their own plans and exercising their own power. They have set themselves against God and His authority. They believe they are so important, powerful and wise, that no one is going to challenge them.
Sadly, the judges and rulers have an inflated opinion of themselves. They think they are in charge. But David declares that they are deceived and deluded. So who is in charge, if not the rulers, judges and kings of the earth? David has the answer. God is the sovereign Ruler of His creation. God declares, “I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain” (Psalm 2:6). The rule of God’s appointed, messianic King is so certain that His dominion is declared in the past tense, as if it has already been accomplished.
David concludes Psalm 2 with a warning for the kings and judges to “wise up” and heed his warning. “Worship the LORD with reverence…and do homage to [His] Son.” God is the ultimate ruler and judge. And David promises blessing “for all who take refuge in Him.”
While the impeachment process is a serious matter, we must keep an eternal perspective on such temporal events. While the world seems to be in disarray, there is comfort in knowing that the King is still on His throne. God, not man, is in charge. God’s kingdom work is progressing and will be culminated with the return of King Jesus, the world’s sovereign Ruler and ultimate Judge. What is happening in the impeachment hearings is less than a dot on the pages of world history. Whatever the outcome, the BIG news for today is that God is still in charge! The press, National Public Radio and the television stations are ignoring the most important news story of the ages. Today’s news will soon be forgotten. The BIG news story is that the King, is coming! “Take warning, O judges of the earth.” King Jesus is coming to rule and to judge.