APRIL 10
Psalm 72:1, “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!”
This royal psalm, as people designate such psalms, prays for the Messianic kingship of David’s dynasty, anticipating the future reign of the King of Kings. The psalmist prays for the king, asking God to bless him with wisdom and righteousness in his rule. He also desires that the king will provide for the poor. Ultimately, the psalmist anticipates when the king’s reign will extend to the whole earth, bring glory to God! The psalmist’s prayer will be fully and finally realized in the return of Christ.
A social reformer named Robert Owen founded the community of New Harmony, Indiana in 1825. The goal was to create a utopian society based on equality, cooperation, and collective ownership. Owen believed education, social reform, and the elimination of class distinctions could create a perfect and model society. However, despite the initial optimism, the experiment ultimately failed. No longer an experimental utopian society, New Harmony is now just a popular tourist destination.
New Harmony is but one of a long list of such failed experiments. Though the human race has long dreamed of creating some utopia on earth, sin is at the root of such failures. A perfect world requires a perfect ruler, and there is only One qualified, Jesus Christ. He who died for sins and rose from the dead is coming to reign over all. He alone has the power to deal with our sin problem, whether that be in a personal or corporate way. His coming reign will fulfill all the Old Testament promises of a place ruled by His peace and justice. In the meantime, He reigns in the heart of all who trusted in them. They experience His perfection in their own hearts and lives. Instead of looking for some utopia on earth, we do better when we focus on the beauty of the One who rules in our hearts.
There is but One perfect Ruler and His name is Jesus!
Application Questions: The psalmist prayed for peace and righteousness to prevail under the hand of a perfect ruler. To what extent is that your reality under the Lordship of the Lord Jesus. There are plenty of things we can’t control in this world, but we’ve always the the freedom in Christ to better subject ourselves to His leadership over our the affairs of our lives.
LookingtoJesus 