Friday December 6th, 2019 Psalm 72:1-7,18-19
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. (verse 1)
As I write this devotion, there is unrest and protests in Haiti over the failure of the government to provide for the needs of the people. In the United States, the conflicts between the Republican president and the Democrats in Congress continue. Even in Canada, there are issues and questions about possible improper influence by the Prime Minister’s office. The desire of the people for good government presented in this psalm continues.
The role of kings, presidents and prime ministers is not to seek power for the sake of power but to do the will of God for the people. God’s will includes protection for the poor and needy from oppressors. Sometimes the oppression comes from those who govern. This psalm is a reminder to those who govern that they are to represent not only a political party, a segment of society, or certain business interests, but to seek justice and righteousness as God’s representative. The concept of ruling as God’s representative has been abused in the past to justify personal ambitions.
This psalm reminds us to pray not only that the current leaders but also that those who follow them will govern according to God’s will and purpose for all people.
O God, encourage us and guide our prayers to pray for those who govern. Amen. — JW
Contributed by Guide our prayers
As I write this devotion, there is unrest and protests in Haiti over the failure of the government to provide for the needs of the people. In the United States, the conflicts between the Republican president and the Democrats in Congress continue. Even in Canada, there are issues and questions about possible improper influence by the Prime Minister's office. The desire of the people for good government presented in this psalm continues.
The role of kings, presidents and prime ministers is not to seek power for the sake of power but to do the will of God for the people. God's will includes protection for the poor and needy from oppressors. Sometimes the oppression comes from those who govern. This psalm is a reminder to those who govern that they are to represent not only a political party, a segment of society, or certain business interests, but to seek justice and righteousness as God's representative. The concept of ruling as God's representative has been abused in the past to justify personal ambitions.
This psalm reminds us to pray not only that the current leaders but also that those who follow them will govern according to God's will and purpose for all people.
