Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Psalm 72

Last week we considered Scriptures that revealed Jesus as King. This week we’ll consider some that reveal Him as the Son of God. Today’s passage starts by revealing quite how closely those two are linked in the Biblical idea of a king:

“¹ Endow the king with your justice, O God,
    the royal son with your righteousness.”

In the days of David, Solomon and the other early kings, the Israelites viewed their human king as being such a unique representative of God’s rule and reign over their nation that it was only right to think of him as the son of God the True King. To their minds, it was as if a king like David was a son of God. God was the True King, and the human king ruled on His behalf.

Psalm 72 was initially penned as a prayer for the earthly king, but how wonderful that we can see in it so much truth about Jesus, the True Son of God, the True King.

Firstly, the psalmist prayed some very specific things for the king, and we see all of those fulfilled ultimately in King Jesus. Here is my list from Psalm 72. Jesus is the personification of justice and righteousness (v.1-2). Jesus lives forever (v.5 & 15), His Kingdom is constantly increasing in its reach (v.8), He has conquered every satanic enemy (v.9-11), He is constantly praised and blessed (v.15), He owns everything in all creation (v.10 & 15), and His Name is honoured by believers now, and will be forever (v.17).

Secondly, the psalmist prayed that certain things would be accomplished through the king, and we see all of those ultimately being accomplished through King Jesus. The Kingdom of Jesus brings justice for the afflicted, equity for all, eternal prosperity, abundance, safety, security, rescue and deliverance for the needy, afflicted, weak and oppressed. King Jesus ministers blessings to all nations and abundant provision for the needs of all who belong to Him.

What can we do but join the closing words of Psalm 72 and give praise to the LORD our God, who alone does marvellous deeds through His Son, King Jesus. Praise be to His glorious Name forever. May my whole life, my whole family, community and workplace, and even the whole earth be filled with the Glory of King Jesus, the Son of God! Amen.