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| image by Kampic |
by Kaysi Hastings
May they fear you while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
Psalm 72:5-7
Yesterday we considered God's heart for the powerless and our calling to use the power we've been given to be a blessing to those who are in need. Today's text paints a picture of refreshment being poured out as a result of righteous leadership. We see the potential of growth and flourishing under the reign of one who uses his power on behalf of those who truly need it.
Four times in the first seven verses of this psalm we see some variation of the word "righteous." Taking both yesterday's and today's texts into account, it seems that there is a correlation between righteousness and lending our power and resources to the cause of the poor and needy.
Last year I came to think of the Gospel in terms of all relationships - with God, family, friends, enemies, strangers, self, possessions, nature, etc. - being made right in Christ. When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He quoted Isaiah, saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed..." (Luke 4:18) Ultimately Jesus is the fulfillment of what the psalmist prayed for in Psalm 72. As His followers and representatives in this world, we must carry on His ministry.
Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.
Why would a king acting on behalf of the poor and needy lead to refreshment and growth? Where can you be the hands and feet of Jesus today by exercising the kind of righteousness the psalmist describes in Psalm 72?
Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.
God, may we be like rain that falls on mown grass, and like showers that water the earth, by exercising true righteousness in our places of influence. Make us sources of refreshment and growth to those who need an advocate.
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