1 Why do the nations rage

and 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.

Psalm 2:1-2

Why indeed? Why has there been so much hostility towards God and his Anointed One, Jesus, since the beginning of time? Why do the nations rage? Why do the peoples plot? Why do kings and rulers oppose God? And, why do some of your friends and loved ones have such hostility, either overt or hidden, towards Jesus? While we're at it, why do most of us stiff-arm God out of our lives for so long?

Here are some of the reasons:

Because God is God and I am not, and I enjoy playing God in my life.

Because Jesus is King and the only King, and all the rest of us must bow.

Because Jesus is the only way to God, and humans (especially today!) don't like that.

Because God's holiness exposes my sin.

Because God is the Judge of all the earth and down deep I know I deserve judgment.

Because my human pride would rather earn God's favor, and yet I must humble myself and acknowledge my total dependence on grace for salvation.

Because I listen at times to the deceiver whispering that God is not good and does not really love me.

Because I tend to blame God for my pain and suffering, rather than blame my own sin, the sin of others, or a fallen, rebel planet.

Because of my native unbelief in God's goodness and love.

For these reasons, and many more, there is widespread hostility toward God, even though he is good and perfect and full of love and grace towards me.

Because of my own unbelief and my own pride, and because of satanic deception, I am blinded to who God really is. Only when God ambushes me with his grace do I see him as he truly is.

Because of all this, I am not surprised when people reject the Lord or ignore the Lord. And, I realize, if people come to Jesus it will be because of the power of the Spirit changing their heart. Therefore, I understand the critical importance of prayer in people coming to Jesus. Prayer is absolutely essential in reaching people for Jesus.