LIKE A POTTER’S VESSEL

The nations to which the psalmist refers project an attitude of indomitable arrogance contrary to God and His dominion. Prior to the inauguration of the Millennial kingdom, He sets forth His Anointed to be the King of all the earth. They respond by uniting to formulate treacherous plans in defiance of this divinely- appointed Monarch. This rebellious attitude is also common in current world affairs, but to oppose the Almighty is a vain course of action, always doomed to failure, v. 1. In the future, such behaviour will be even more pronounced, as the planet’s rulers join together to oppose the King of kings and Lord of lords, Rev. 19. 16. Such insurrection against the earth’s rightful sovereign will be ineffectual and swiftly put down. Messiah will defeat these unruly governments, wielding the iron rod of judgement against them. Like a fragile piece of pottery, these disobedient ones will be utterly shattered by His might, v. 9.

The metaphor of the potter’s vessel is used elsewhere in scripture against Israel, Jer. 19. 11. Isaiah chapter 30 verse 14 graphically depicts the level of damage that comes with this image of smashing, saying, ‘there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit’. In other words, there is not a piece left that is large enough to carry out any practical function. This kind of destruction will be unleashed on the enemies of God and His Christ. Believers, who by nature are also overcomers, will assist Him in forcefully ruling over the earth, 1 John 5. 4, 5; Rev. 2. 26, 27.

Speaking of Christ in such violent terms may seem inconsis­tent with the concept of the meek and lowly Jesus that often comes to mind. Nevertheless, it agrees with the Bible’s universal teaching on the second coming. His first coming aimed at bring­ing men to repentance; in contrast, His return will be for the judgement of the nations, John 3. 17; 5. 26, 27; Matt. 25. 31-46. What may be seen as drastic measures will be needed to bring this world under God’s rule. He will only smash the inveterate rebels who adamantly refuse to bow to Christ’s benevolent and just rule.