Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 72
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
5 May he endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
Reflections(s)
The Psalmist’s plea to the Lord to endow the king with justice is a familiar cry for most people. In this world we have injustice that abounds. Wealthy nations are neglecting the poor, rebel groups are taking over large swaths of land in some countries. Christians and minority religions are being persecuted in many locations despite being peaceful. We can all agree that the world needs just leaders who dispense righteousness.
Aside from praying for Godly leadership we should also be living the life style that we want in a leader. If we want to transform the culture we live in then the change has to start with us. We cannot simply pray God to act but not do our part in changing the atmosphere.
It starts in our homes and churches. When Christians at large have done the work of Jesus the culture benefited. We don’t have to think too far off to find examples. We’ve had many peaceful cultural movements in history. The victory won by Martin Luther King was so successful because it practiced Christian principles that were above reproach. Likewise, the Anabaptists created a pacifist reformed movement in the 16th century in Europe and tales of their peace, love, and bravery in the face of persecution are still told today.
Change from within starts within our own hearts and it does not begin and end with a sword. Rather, it is treating our neighbors as we would like to be treated and loving the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul.
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