Day 210
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Amen and Amen to The Righteous Ruler! |
Weekly Devotional
July 28—
Psalm 72: An Earth Full of Glory
Reflection
God's message of judgment continues through his prophet Isaiah, but the light dawns as he announces coming comfort and consolation. God will one day restore his nation gloriously. He will send the Prince of Peace to redeem his people who hear and obey. This righteous Ruler is alluded to by Solomon in Psalm 72, offering us an opportunity to catch our breath in our regular Bible reading and focus our hearts on our magnificent Savior.
Great Leaders!
As you read Psalm 72, watch for the "Job Description of a Righteous Ruler." That will give you specific points to pray about as you uphold your national, local and spiritual leaders in prayer. For example, a righteous ruler is to be concerned with:
- Bringing peace to the people (v. 3, 7).
- Assisting the poor, needy, and oppressed (v. 4, 12-14).
- Generating a Godly fear for the laws of the land (v. 5).
- Refreshing the people through righteous reform (v. 6-7).
Compare this psalm with
Isaiah 11:1-5 and you will soon see who is prophetically pictured in this psalm: none other than Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel! But buried in the heart of the psalm is this statement: "There will be constant praise for him. His people will bless him all day long" (v. 15). Solomon, the author of Psalm 72, knew that God's representative in any generation needs and deserves the prayers and praises of his subjects.
Stop right now and thank God for those who serve in positions of authority over you. Pray that God will help them in their difficult roles as "servants of the people." You might even want to write a short note to one or more of your elected officials, sharing what you have learned from Psalm 72.
Prayer
O God help our leaders to judge as you would and help them to walk in godliness as a result of following you. Help them to give justice to your people, even the poor by defending them and crushing their oppressors. Let the people flourish in prosperity because of their good deeds. We ask this in your Mighty name and we will be so careful to give you the glory, the praise and the honor. In the name of our Savior! Amen!
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The Greatest Leader Our Good Shepherd! |