Power Struggles, Righteous Anger, and the Call to New Life
Have you ever wondered why there always seems to be so much chaos and anger in the world? Psalm 2:1-6 has something to say about that. In plain language, this passage asks: Why are people and their leaders so worked up—so determined to go their own way and push back against God and what’s right? It’s as if the powerful want to break free from any sense of accountability, to shake off the loving “rules” that God sets down.
The psalm paints a picture: nations and leaders plotting together, convinced they can build their own empires without God. They’re trying to “break the bonds” of what they see as restrictions, but which are actually the gentle and just ways God wants people to live. The psalm even says God laughs at this—He sees how foolish it is to think we can create justice and peace without Him.
But this isn’t just an old story. We see echoes of it in America’s history—and today’s headlines.
Rage and Resistance in American History
There’s a kind of “rage” that doesn’t always look like shouting or violence in the streets. Sometimes, it shows up in policies, in laws, in quiet resistance behind closed doors. Throughout American history, whenever African Americans have pushed for equality, justice, and full citizenship, there’s been backlash—anger from those in power determined to hold onto control.
It’s not the mere presence of Black people that triggers this rage, but Black advancement: ambition, purpose, and the demand to be treated as equals. This “rage” has worked through voting restrictions, book bans, attempts to erase honest history, and efforts to silence voices. It’s a rage that says, “Let’s throw off these bonds! Let’s protect our power and keep things as they were.”
But this is the very attitude Psalm 2 describes: people refusing God’s vision of love, equality, and justice.
Jesus and the Ministry of Reconciliation
But there’s a better way. 2 Corinthians 5:15-19 teaches that through Jesus, God invites everyone to be part of something new. Because Jesus died for all, we’re no longer supposed to live only for ourselves or judge others by appearances or race. If anyone is “in Christ,” they are a new creation—old divisions and old ways of thinking are supposed to be left behind.
This passage calls us to the “ministry of reconciliation.” That means actively working to bring people together, to heal what’s been broken, to treat everyone with dignity and justice. God isn’t counting our wrongdoings against us; instead, He’s calling us to pass along that same spirit of forgiveness and restoration to others.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
It’s easy to look at the world and feel discouraged by all the division, the resistance to change, the anger at those who challenge the status quo. But the love of Christ compels us to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, and to work for a world where everyone—regardless of background, race, or history—is treated as beloved and equal.
The rage and plotting of the powerful may look intimidating, but Psalm 2 reminds us: God is not worried. He has already set His King—Jesus—on the throne, and the path forward is not more division, but reconciliation.
Let’s live as new creations. Let’s choose reconciliation over rage, justice over jealousy, and love over fear. The world may still be noisy, but God’s laughter reminds us: love and justice will have the last word.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 