READ:
Psalm 72
This is a triumphant song to end Book
II of the Psalms. This psalm is actually about Solomon. He was a king during
whose reign there was peace. He was prosperous. He ruled a great kingdom.
People, kings and queens, came from all over the world to hear his wise words
and give him gifts.
It is also a psalm to be sung, not just
to King Solomon, but to the King of kings. This is a beautiful foreshadowing of
the glory the nations will bring to Jesus. When we remember much of the Old
Testament was a picture God gave us to understand His plan for all humanity, we
can see this psalm as a foreshadowing of when Jesus will reign as King on the
earth.
This psalm gives us hope for eternity.
We are reminded of the judgments God will make in perfect justice. Agriculture
will no longer be riddled with drought, flood, pestilence and disaster.
Children will be safe, and abusers will be crushed. Hope!
This perfect Kingdom will never end. It
will be refreshing and life giving every single day. Every king will bow to the
King. All nations will serve the King. He promises to deliver the needy and
afflicted who have no help. Oppression will end. Violence will end. The entire population of the world will bless
the King. They will praise His name and be blessed by Him. The entire world
will be filled with His glory.
This psalm closes the second book of
Psalms with such hope for heaven and eternity. We have so much to look forward
to. What joy awaits those who serve this King!
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. In King Solomon’s day people came from
all over to bring gifts of all kinds to honor him. Ask the Lord if there is
something you can give Him today, or this week, or whatever He says, that would
bring Him honor. Write down what He says and offer that to Him as He desires.
2. Based on the psalm and/or the struggles
you have faced in your life, what is at least one thing you are grateful God will
finally set right when Christ reigns on the earth as King? How does having this
hope of true justice, and complete restoration make you feel?
3. Take several minutes to pray this Psalm
to God. Change the pronouns to ‘I’ or to ‘God’ as appropriate, and read this as
a prayer from the depths of your heart. Here’s an example using the first 5
verses. You don’t have to do it this way… make it your own prayer of praise
using Psalm 72 as your idea generator!
Your love of justice, O God, and righteousness is found in both you
and your Son. I know you will judge your people in the right way; and you will
always let the poor be treated fairly. I look forward to the day, Oh God, when
the mountains will yield prosperity for all, and the hills will be fruitful.
You will defend the poor and rescue the children of the needy. You will crush
the oppressors when you reign as King. May I fear you as long as the sun
shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever!
