Observation: This is a coronation psalm, I think. It invokes blessings on the King of Israel--justice, prosperity, longevity, peace, the defeat of enemies--but not just because he's the king. Verse 12-14 give the reason for the blessings: because this King has pity on the poor, needy and oppressed, and delivers them.
Application: It's too easy when we read the Bible about "kings" to make direct comparisons to modern heads of state: presidents, prime ministers and the like. But we don't really have "kings" in America today. We live in a democracy. The people are in charge. So these kingly texts apply every bit as much to us as anyone else. We need God's blessing in doing our duty and taking responsibility for leading our nation in a just and holy direction. Each of us bears responsibility for delivering the needy from oppression.
We should also remember, though, that Christians do answer to our own king: Jesus Christ. We don't make decisions just on our own best interest, but according to his guidance and command. I pray we may look to him for guidance in these difficult times.
Prayer: God, help us to deliver the needy, rescue the oppressed, and hear your voice, even as we seek to make our own voices heard.
No comments:
Post a Comment