December 2, 2022

Based on Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Celebrate the King

 

Psalm 72 is recognized by Bible Scholars as one of nine Royal Psalms. They are called this because they express praise to the king as God’s chosen representative on earth. Whereas they are actually hailing the earthly kings like David and Solomon, they are focused on their earthly representatives of God on this earth.

The fact that we read this passage this year, when so many people have watched the royal transition in Great Britain from Queen Elizabeth to King Charles III, adds to the fascination many continue to have with kings and queens. What feelings or thoughts did you have about royalty as we witnessed the death of the queen and the ascension of her son?

The Psalm refers to the fact that these earthly kings are not without faults. So today we read it with an understanding that the passage is foretelling the coming of the King who will be without fault, our Messiah, Jesus the King.

In some ways it allows us in these days of so much uncertainty and division, to have the hope that the King of Kings who has already come, will assure us of the love and care we need to move through life.

This being truth, we then can let go of some of our worries and concerns and instead focus on the celebration of knowing that no earthly king, nor king wannabe can ever rule over our KING.

So together, knowing that the Mightiest of Kings is already among us, let us express those words of adoration from Psalm 18-19 , “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, (and we might add of all the earth) who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.”

Heath K. Rada