Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
72:1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son.
72:2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
72:3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness.
72:4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.
72:5 May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
72:6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.
72:7 In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
72:10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
72:11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
72:12 For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
72:13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
72:14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight.
Reflections
In today’s society, we are faced with a number of hardships, trials and political scandals. We are faced with the fear of the unknown and not having a clue as to what the future holds.
In these few verses, we see how David is prayerfully bringing his son Solomon before the Lord. His prayer is that Solomon would lead the kingdom with God’s wisdom instilled in his heart. He desires that his actions as king would be filled with righteousness (vs 1), mercy and love towards the needy (4, 12, 13). He also prays that his reign would be filled with peace between all the nations and that other kings and nations would pay tribute to him. He longs for his son to ultimately represent Christ through his role as king.
As fellow Christians, I believe God calls us to use our time here on earth to point others back to Christ. We are to be diligently seeking to represent Christ in and all that we do. This Psalm depicts a picture of what Christ’s future kingdom holds. It is also a call to shine and live for Christ and have others look at us notice a difference. Just as David’s prayer was that Solomon’s reign would indeed represent Christ and His kingdom, so should we also seek to represent Christ living in our hearts.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
The Psalms are sometimes considered prophetic, speaking of the coming messiah. Charles Spurgeon and many other scholars see a direct parallel between Psalm 72 and Jesus. This should be evident as one reads the scriptures.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. (Psalm 72:4)
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight. (Psalm 72:12-14)
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. (Luke 4:18)
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:3-10)
Using this Psalm and Jesus’ own words, it is clear to see that God intends to take the most humble, meek, and poor among us to build his kingdom.This kingdom will be so powerful that Kings will bow down and nations will serve it. In God’s kingdom the first shall be last and the last shall be first.
Reach out to the Lord and he will deliver you. Follow the Lord and he will use you. Give everything to the Lord and you will have treasure in heaven to large to fathom.