Psalm 2

The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against the Lord and against his Anointed (Christ) saying,

"Let us burst their bonds apart

and cast away their cords from us."

He who sits in the heavens laughs... —Psalm 2:2-4

Third century Roman emperor Diocletian set up two large pillars in Spain, one of which reads: "Diocletian Jovian Maximum Hercules Caesares Augusti, for having extended the Roman Empire in the east and west, and having extinguished the name of Christian..." 

The other: "Diocletian Jovian Maximum Hercules Caesares Augusti, for having everywhere abolished the superstition of Christ..."

Some years later Diocletian abdicated—the only emperor to do so— emotionally distraught by the realization that the empire was crumbling. Deep in despair he committed suicide on December 3, AD 311. 

According to historian Edward Gibbon, the Roman Empire ceased to exist in 476; Christ's followers exist and thrive today in every part of the world.

Peter Waldo, an early reformer, represented the history of the Church with a picture of an anvil with many worn-out hammers lying around it. At the bottom of the picture was this inscription: “One Anvil — Many Hammers.”

So, don't panic as you consider current events. Certainly, kings and rulers "have set themselves against the Lord and against his Christ," but God is not rattled. His throne is surrounded by a "sea like glass" (Revelation 15:2). Not a tossing wave, not a ripple there!

God is working out his purpose, 

in spite of all that happens here;

Lawless nations in commotion, 

restless like a storm–tossed ocean,

He controls their rage and fury, 

so his children need not fear.

Let our hearts then turn to heaven, 

where Christ bides his time in peace.

Giving him our heart’s devotion, 

until the present troubles cease. 

—author unknown

David Roper

1/2/16