Our King Reigns

The kingdom of Christ is one ruled in righteousness because the King and Judge is Jesus Christ, the righteous (1 Jn 2:1). With a heart after God’s own heart, David penned Psalm 72 with Solomon in view. This psalm’s fulfillment, however, is still pending, as we wait in joyful hope of the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (1 Tim 6:14; 2 Tim 4:8; 1 Thess 4:13–5:11; Rev 19:11–21).

David prayed for righteousness, justice, and peace for God’s people. In Psalm 72:1–4, the desired end is for the oppressor to be crushed; while the children, the people of God are vindicated. This is the blessed hope of juxtaposition when Christ returns to judge the living and the dead (2 Tim 4:1; 1 Pet 4:5; Rev 19:11–21).

David employed natural imagery to emphasize the prosperity accompanying the righteous rule that will see every knee bowed and every tongue confessing, “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil 2:11). There is time and eternity, and all should submit now, to enjoy the benefits. A day is coming when peace is off the table, and the gates to His prosperous, secure, and glorious kingdom are no longer accessible.

The contrast between those who do homage to the Son (Ps 2:11), and those who do not is stark. Those who hate Jesus (Jn 7:7), hate God because they do not know the Father nor the Son (Jn 16:3; Rom 1:30). If they did know God, they would love King Jesus (Jn 8:42).

The extent of Jesus’ rule and reign will be global (Rev 11:15). It will extend to the ends of the earth (Ps 72:8). It is for the nations to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords (Ps 72:11; 1 Tim 6:15). His people gladly serve Him in the day of His power (Ps 100:3). For He has delivered the Israel of God (Ps 18:2; Is 49:1–6; Acts 7:35; Rom 11:26).

Our God and Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:1), is compassionate toward those who are needy because of the ravages of sin. He delivers His chosen people (Rom 11:5–6), who are called by His name (Acts 15:17), from bondage to sin (Rom 6:6), Satan, and the world system. In the world, people flock to cities to try and find fame and fortune (Gen 11). They are hoping for prosperity and security. Instead, they work long days and pay high taxes. They suffer loss and injury because of crime brought about by corrupt legal systems.

In that day and in that place of Christ’s eternal kingdom, the nations will call King Jesus “blessed” (Ps 72:17). The reason for such a gracious ascription is that they are blessed by Him. It is the greater who blesses the lesser; but those having been blessed can only give thanks and praise to the One who secured and prospered them for real and forever. His name and His love endure, forever (1 Kgs 10:9; 2 Chron 9:8; Mic 7:18).

The corruption in the world is driven by lust (2 Pet 1:4). There is more to lust than inordinate, inappropriate sexual desire. Lust craves more for the world. People play king of the mountain in government, business, sports, education, entertainment, etc. They lust for sex, money, and power. For those who achieve the mountain heights without the Spirit of Christ, the trail of carnage they leave is what gives them infamy.

David’s son, his Lord (Ps 110:1), is set to rectify the infinite wrongs of the rich and powerful, who trample the poor, in their quest for more, for themselves. Their desire to be a god has exposed them to be evil tyrants. They are of their father, the devil (Jn 8:44). They have served him instead of Jesus Messiah. They wanted the whole world. They did not get it; and they lost their souls (Mk 8:36).

Blessed is the man who is blessed by the God of Israel (Mt 5:1–12). Today, he has the Spirit of promise, who keeps him focused on the kingdom of Christ (Col 3:2; Heb 12:2). This man seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mt 6:33). He does so in the faith granted to him by God’s divine power (Eph 2:8–9; 2 Pet 1:3). This man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Mt 4:4; Lk 4:4). It is this Word of Christ the King that he hears and trusts (Rom 10:17).

My dear reader, soon the whole earth will be filled with His glory, the glory of Jesus Christ (Num 14:21; Is 6:3; Eph 3:21). He has done great things (Dt 10:21; Ps 126:2; Lk 1:49; 8:39); and great things are yet to come. The sea and the sun will be gone, along with the moon. In fact, heaven and earth will have passed away; but the Word of God stands forever (Mt 24:35; Mk 13:21; Lk 21:33).

The promises of God for His righteous reign upon the earth are eschatological. In the new heavens and on the new earth, these new things will be a reality. Today, we have faith in His Word and a blessed hope for all that is promised to come. He will reign; and we with Him!

An eternity of righteousness, peace, prosperity, and security await those who fear God, who alone works wonders (Is 25:1), who is and forever will be their all in all (Acts 10:36). There is no one beside Him (Is 45:21), who is perfect in power and dominion. He alone is worthy of all praise for His glory and excellence (Ps 18:3).

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

August 14, 2024

Psalm 72