Speaking of the Chronological Bible, last night's passage was a collection of Psalms that were most likely collected during the reign of Hezekiah. I was struck by some of the words:

Psalm 2
Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his annointed one.
"Let us break their chains," they cry, "and free ourselves from this slavery."

But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury,
For the LORD declares, "I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, my holy city."

The king proclaims the LORD's decree:
"The LORD said to me, 'You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.'"

Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of your pursuits -- for his anger can flare up in an instant.

But what joy for all who find protection in him!

From Psalm 33:6-22
The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He gave the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.

Let everyone in the world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

The LORD shatters the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen for his own.

The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory -- for all its strength, it cannot save you.

But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

We depend on the LORD alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name.

Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

I know that these words were written about the enemies that Israel and Judah faced at the time, especially Assyria, but I couldn't help but think about the enemies that seek their destruction today. Iran, Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon are just a few. If you look at the news separate from Israel being God's chosen people, then it would seem that they are doomed for certain extinction. It's inevitable, you might say.

But how many groups have attempted to wipe out this people group throughout history? Over and over, the enemy of God has used humans to try and destroy this people that he so envies. And still they survive. God has pursued them relentlessly, no matter how far from Him they turned. And I believe wholeheartedly that they will ultimately be restored to Him. The Bible is perfectly clear on this.

Posting these Psalms, one might call me a religious extremist. How is this different from radical Islam? You are saying that your God will ultimately destroy the enemies of Israel. Absolutely. My God will. I'm not going to strap a bomb to my back and walk into a Palestinian daycare center to hasten His victory, nor would I ever advocate such. That is the difference.

It is amazing that the word of God, written so many centuries ago, is still completely relevant. I know that Psalm 2 is not just speaking of the time it was written, because the writer talks about "his chosen king on the throne of Jerusalem." That's Jesus. When he says "Submit to God's royal son," that's Jesus. Jesus, who was centuries away from being born. He will return to the throne in Jerusalem. In that day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.

But what joy for all who find protection in him!