“Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2

“Psalm 2 is a prophecy of Christ, that He would suffer, and through His suffering become King and Lord of the whole world. Within this psalm stands a warning against the kings and lords of this world: If, instead of honoring and serving this King, they seek to persecute and blot Him out, they shall perish. This psalm also contains the promise that those who believe in the true King will be blessed. This psalm flows from the First Commandment, in which God promises to be our God, who will help us in every trouble and will work all good for us—just as He has, through Christ, delivered us from sin, death, and hell and brought us to eternal life. This blessing is what we pray for in the Second Petition of the Lord’s Prayer—that His kingdom come.” (Martin Luther, Reading the Psalms with Luther)

It might be hard to imagine that our Lord laughs sitting in the heavenly realm, watching the doings of those who conspire against heaven — yet this is the image the Psalmist gives. Perhaps we could consider the reasons G-d laughs:

A. G-d laughs because G-d is our Great King sitting among the courts of heaven, sitting in perfect peace and assurance — while those on earth conspire and plot in vain.

B. G-d laughs because G-d has authority over all creation. What does heaven have to fear from earth?

C. G-d laughs — G-d does not tremble — does not hide behind a vast celestial rampart. G-d simply ‘laughs’ at these great imposters.

G-d is the comfort of all those who love righteousness. As such, G-d’s laughter is the laughter of the strength of love. God does not exult over the sufferings of humanity — instead G-d laughs knowing G-d will accomplish G-d’s will which is nothing less than to love all that G-d has created.

Prayer

Thanks be unto You, O Lord Jesus Christ, because You were once dead, and by Your blood redeemed us from sin and everlasting torment. We desire to serve You all the days of our life. Preserve us in the midst of so many enemies, and by Your mighty hand preserve us for Your eternal kingdom! Amen.