Finding Jesus in 5 Psalms: Celebrating the Work and Character of ChristSample

A Royal King: Psalm 72

In our world of unrighteous leaders, it’s hard to imagine a king ruling in the manner that Psalm 72 describes. The king in these verses judges people righteously, exercises justice for all, defends the cause of the poor, and crushes the oppressor, just to name a few admirable traits. The king described in Psalm 72 is pure and perfect in his actions. The psalm continues with a prayer for the king’s subjects to fear him and for the king’s reign to endure forever. There is no earthly king who could endure as long as the sun and the moon exist (Psalm 72:5). And there isn’t a king who has dominion over every inch of the earth (Psalm 72:8). The only King who will reign forever over all is Jesus.

In many ways, Psalm 72 is a complementary fit with the hymn “O Holy Night.”

Read these lyrics again:

Truly, He taught us to love one another;

His law is love, and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

The benefit of the gospel is that the slave is free—the one who was once oppressed is not only equal to but united with the community. It is the gospel that breaks chains and sets prisoners free. And it is King Jesus who makes a way for all oppression to cease. In our divided world, constantly at war, let’s join the psalmist in praying that the nations would praise the Lord. One day, every knee will bow. And the Lord will bring heaven to earth.

Thank You, Lord, that You’ve made a way for us to know You. Thank You that You are not a tyrannical leader, but rather, You care for all people, including the oppressed. Lord, thank You that in You there is no partiality. Help us to follow You and love as You’ve called us to. Thank You for Your great example of loving-kindness to all people.