Introduction: The Prophetic Promise of Psalm 2
The concept of “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession” from Psalm 2:8 presents a profound theological insight into the nature of God’s kingdom and the role of the Messiah. This verse is part of a larger context in Psalm 2:1-12, which depicts the rebellion of earthly rulers against God and His anointed king.
Linguistic Roots: Understanding the Hebrew Term for Nations
The Hebrew word for “nations” in this passage is “גּוֹיִם” (goyim, Strong’s H1471), which typically refers to Gentile nations or peoples distinct from Israel. Etymologically, it comes from the same root as “גֵּוָה” (gevah), meaning “body” or “corpse,” suggesting a collective body of people. In the context of Psalm 2, these nations are portrayed as rebelling against God’s authority.
Jesus: The Perfect Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy
Jesus, as the perfect fulfillment of this Messianic prophecy, exemplifies the inheritance of the nations. His global mission and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) directly correlate with this concept of possessing the nations. Christ’s kingship extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18).
Theological Significance: Divine Sovereignty and Universal Kingship
The concept of inheriting the nations reveals several key aspects of God’s nature and plan:
1. Divine Sovereignty: God has ultimate authority over all nations and can distribute them as He wills.
2. Universal Kingship: The Messiah’s rule is not limited to Israel but extends to the ends of the earth.
3. Redemptive Purpose: God’s plan includes bringing all nations under His loving rule, not just a select few.
Christological Fulfillment: Christ’s Global Reign
Jesus embodies this concept in several ways:
1. He claims all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
2. His kingdom is described as eternal and universal (Daniel 7:13-14).
3. The book of Revelation depicts people from every nation worshipping Him (Revelation 7:9).
Implications for Believers: A Global Kingdom Perspective
This concept transforms our understanding of mission and the Church’s role:
1. It motivates global evangelism and discipleship.
2. It encourages a multicultural, inclusive view of God’s kingdom.
3. It provides hope for the ultimate triumph of God’s rule over all earthly powers.
The Expansive Nature of God’s Kingdom
The concept of inheriting the nations in Psalm 2:8 powerfully illustrates the expansive nature of God’s kingdom and Christ’s role as the universal king. It challenges believers to participate in God’s global mission, recognizing that Jesus’ lordship extends to every corner of the earth. This promise, fulfilled in Christ, assures us of the eventual complete realization of God’s reign over all creation.
Disciple-Maker’s Short Story
A Heart for the Nations
The warm glow of table lamps cast gentle shadows across Sarah and Mark’s living room as their dinner guests, Andrew and Tessa Mitchell, settled into the overstuffed couch. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the lingering scents of their shared meal, creating an atmosphere of comfortable intimacy. At seventy-two, Andrew’s silver hair caught the lamplight, while Tessa’s kind eyes sparkled with the vitality of remembered youth.
“You mentioned during dinner that you’re interested in missions work,” Andrew began, his weathered hands cupped around a steaming mug. “Would you like to hear how God led us to Japan?”
Sarah leaned forward eagerly, her young face alight with curiosity. “Please. We’ve been praying about missions ourselves, haven’t we, Mark?”
Mark nodded, pulling his chair closer. “We’d love to hear your story.”
Tessa exchanged a knowing glance with her husband. “It’s remarkable how God works,” she said, her voice soft with wonder even after all these years. “We were about your age when it all began. Both of us had grown up in the church, but something changed when we started really diving into Scripture and reading about missionaries like Hudson Taylor and Jim Elliot.”
“It wasn’t just reading about their lives,” Andrew added, leaning forward. “It was seeing Christ in them – how they embodied His words: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ Their stories showed us what it meant to truly follow Jesus, to take up our cross daily.”
“But the real turning point,” Tessa continued, “came during what we thought was just an ordinary spring morning in 1993. I had been reading my Bible before breakfast, and something in Psalm 2 stopped me in my tracks.”
Andrew’s eyes lit up. “Verse 8,” he said, and Tessa nodded, smiling.
“‘Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession,'” they quoted together, causing Sarah and Mark to exchange surprised looks.
“We didn’t know it then,” Andrew explained, “but God had led us both to the same verse that morning. Later that day, we went for a walk in the park, each of us nervous about sharing what we felt God was calling us to do.”
Tessa reached for Andrew’s hand. “I remember standing by the duck pond, my heart pounding. I finally gathered the courage to tell Andrew about the verse and my growing conviction about missions. Before I could finish, he pulled out his Bible and showed me where he’d underlined the very same words that morning.”
“We just stood there,” Andrew chuckled, “staring at each other in amazement. It was like God was saying, ‘Yes, this is the path I have for you.'”
“But why Japan?” Mark asked, his expression thoughtful.
Andrew’s face grew serious. “We spent months praying and researching different countries. Then we learned that despite being one of the most developed nations in the world, less than 1% of Japan’s population knew Christ. We couldn’t shake the feeling that God was directing us there.”
“It wasn’t easy,” Tessa admitted. “We had to learn a completely different language, adapt to a new culture. There were times when we felt overwhelmed, inadequate. But in those moments, we’d remember Christ’s words about taking up our cross, about becoming servants just as He became a servant.”
She paused, her expression softening. “Of course, God had different plans for how our service would unfold. After ten years in Japan, health challenges forced us to return to the States. I developed severe rheumatoid arthritis, and Andrew had some heart issues that required consistent medical care.”
“But God wasn’t finished with our ministry,” Andrew interjected, his eyes bright. “We became what they call Non-Resident Missionaries – NRMs. For the past twenty years, we’ve been making regular trips back to Japan, staying connected through video calls, and mentoring leaders we’d trained over the years.”
“Sometimes,” Tessa added, “what seems like an obstacle becomes God’s way of expanding your ministry. We’ve actually been able to support more churches and leaders as NRMs than we could when we were stationed in one location. Technology has been such a blessing – we can participate in Bible studies, counsel young couples, and even attend important church events virtually.”
“The beautiful thing about following Jesus,” Andrew reflected, “is that He doesn’t call us to be successful by the world’s standards. He calls us to be faithful. Looking back over thirty years of ministry, we see how God used our simple obedience – and even our limitations – to touch lives in ways we never could have imagined.”
Sarah wiped away a tear. “How did you maintain your commitment for so long, especially after having to leave?”
“By keeping our eyes on Jesus,” Tessa answered simply. “We wanted to be like Him – to love as He loved, to serve as He served. Every morning, we’d remind ourselves that we were there to demonstrate His heart for the nations, whether in person or from afar.”
“And now,” Andrew concluded, his voice thick with emotion, “sitting here with you young couples, seeing that same fire in your eyes that we had… it reminds us that God’s work continues. The torch passes from generation to generation, each playing their part in God’s grand mission to draw all nations to Himself. Sometimes the path looks different than we expect, but His purposes never fail.”
The room fell silent for a moment, heavy with the weight of possibility. Through the window, the last rays of sunset painted the sky in hues of promise, much like the dawn that had broken over Andrew and Tessa’s lives so many years ago.
ToBeLikeJesus 