God is laughing

[2:1] Why do the nations rageand the peoples plot in vain? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, [3] “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” [4] He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. [5] Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, [6] “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:1-6 ESV)

I think this section of Psalm 2 is funny and poignant at the same time.  Funny because it shows the vanity of human plots against God; they are so futile that God laughs at them. Which then in turn makes me laugh, because God is laughing and that just seems funny to me.  Poignant because it strikes a chord in the depths of our humanness; we are set against God and seek to free ourselves from his control.

If the plots and schemes of the kings of the earth cannot succeed in breaking away from God's will, if all of their efforts are in vain, why should we think we've even got a shot?  If God just laughs at them and then essentially squashes their plans with his pinkie finger, all the while terrifying them, why do we even try?  God makes it clear in verse 6 that He has set his King on his holy hill; he is showing his power and his sovereignty.  'This is how it's going to be.  Thanks for trying your way, but mine is better, trust me, you'll see.'

This is by no means a conversation about free will/determinism, but it most certainly is a conversation about God's sovereignty.  No matter how we plot to rid ourselves of this great God, he is not going anywhere.  No matter how we scheme to find a loop hole, his will is going to trump ours.  No matter how we plan to save ourselves, he will sit in the throne at the end of time and judge each and every one of us by his righteousness, and only those who are covered by the saving grace of his Son Jesus will be saved.  All of those who tried to save themselves will quickly realize that God's King has been set on the holy hill, and only his will and his salvation are legitimate.

God can look at all the plans we mighty humans make and laugh.  I mean really, he laughs.  Do you realize how demoralizing that has to be for people who actually think they can hide from him?  Or those who convince themselves he doesn't exist?  God is laughing.  God is good, and he has a sense of humor...and that is awesome.