Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Psalm 72

Let’s keep thinking about the call to repent as a call to turn towards Jesus, the King of God’s Eternal Kingdom.

Psalm 72 is an ancient prayer for the king of Israel, and it highlights the thought that the earthly king’s rule should be a reflection of God’s rule. So the Psalm prays that the king may be endowed with God’s own righteousness and justice. It prays that the king would exhibit God’s care for the needy, the afflicted, the weak and oppressed. It prays that he would have compassion on them and deliver them from their distress.

This prayer was never truly answered in any earthly king. But in the incarnation of King Jesus, the King of God’s Eternal Kingdom, this prayer was completely answered. In Jesus we see the perfection of God’s righteousness, justice and compassion.

This week the invitation is to repent towards Jesus by filling our minds and hearts with truth about Him. So today let’s specifically contemplate His righteousness, justice and compassion. Where do you see those qualities revealed in the Gospel accounts of Jesus? Can you think of some examples? How have you seen those qualities revealed in your own personal experience of Jesus? And most importantly, how can you be His instrument to display these qualities in your world today, on His behalf? How can His Kingdom come through you today?

Holy Spirit, help me to see the righteousness, justice and compassion of Jesus. Fill my heart with love for Him, my mind with thoughts of Him, and make my actions a true reflection of Him. Amen.