Read: Psalm 72:1-11
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! (vv. 6-7)
The Hebrew word Messiah is the equivalent of the Greek word Christ and of the English word anointed. Old Testament passages that make reference to Christ are therefore called messianic.
This psalm has a messianic theme. It assures us that our prosperity and good welfare depend on the justice of those who rule us. Isaac Watts’ “Jesus Shall Reign” as well as James Montgomery’s “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” express the magnificent rule of Christ our anointed King as reflected in Psalm 72.
The psalm is both a prayer for King Solomon and a looking forward to the perfect king who has come in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The first part of the psalm focuses on righteousness. Christ our king is righteous. He is just and fair. He is coming again at the end of human history to set all things straight, to bring an unrighteous world to account before him.
Let us submit to him by being absolutely honest. Let us take courage in a world filled with so much injustice. It will not always be so! Jesus shall reign! —Harry Buis
As you pray, praise the Son who rules the world and will come to usher in a new heaven and a new earth “wherein dwells righteousness.”
About the Author
The Rev. Harry Buis served as a Reformed Church in America pastor for 41 years, serving six congregations. He had a consuming passion for the Word of God, preached and written, and would take up his pen to share that passion at a moment’s notice. His enthusiasm for God and the Bible was his signature. Rev. Buis edited the Words of Hope daily devotional for twenty years, and wrote several books and numerous articles. He also taught as an adjunct at Hope College, Western Theological Seminary, and Kuyper College. He served the church in many capacities, and was elected President of General Synod of the RCA in 1980. Rev. Buis died of cancer in 2001.
