“Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.” Psalm 72:19
Psalm 72 is a royal Psalm that includes a prayer for the messianic kingship of David’s dynasty. At one level it is a reference to Isreal’s kingship and at another, a prophecy about the Kings of Kings – Jesus Christ. With it’s petition and praise we see the divine standards that are so powerfully fulfilled in the life of Christ. He became the realization of God’s intended revelation to which this Psalm alludes.
What is the hallmark of this kingly reign? The Psalm answers with the clarion call to practical “righteousness” and “justice” lived out by the king: “He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy” (v.4). Specifically, our King represents God’s concern for the oppressed – the destitute, the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, the social outcasts. Those who are often treated as second class citizens are under God’s close and caring watch. It is his “pity” that motivates Him to action – sympathy moves to empathy. The King loves them and values their lives.
In Nebraska, when the womb is no longer the safest place in the world for a developing infant you can bet God, our King, is concerned. Examine the Psalmist's words that reveal God’s heart: “He will take pity on the weak and needy and save the needy from death . . . for precious is their blood in his sight” (v.13-14). May this entry into the new year be a time to prayerfully realign our allegiance to our King and may we pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. Let us be part of extending His rule of righteousness and justice from the womb to the tomb in 2012.
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