Key Truth: God’s King will reign founded on true justice and righteousness that brings blessing and peace to all as reflected in His heart for restoring the image-bearing dignity of the poor, weak, and needy.  

Introduction:

Q: What are the critical qualities of the leaders that you respect? Do these qualities reflect the glory and attributes of God?

The Foundation of the Reign of God’s King: Justice and Righteousness:

Psalm 72:1-11

“Righteousness (1, 2, 3) dominates this opening, since in Scripture it is the first virtue of government, even before compassion (which will be the theme of verses 12-14). This point is made explicitly in the Mosaic law, which forbids partiality in judgment, whether it favors (surprisingly) the poor or the rich (Exod. 23:3, 6).”
Derek Kidner, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72

Q: What is the biblical standard for justice and righteousness? How has this standard shaped how you live in the world?

The Heart of the Reign of God’s King: The Restoration of the Poor:

Psalm 72:12-20: 

“Jesus loved the poor. He came to preach the Good News to them. He delivered them from the oppression of legalistic religion and satanic domination. He healed their bodies, and He saved their souls and redeemed them at the price of His own blood. He then is the King of whom the psalmist speaks. He also calls us to live this kingdom life, ministering to the poor on His behalf.”

Donald M. Williams, The Preacher’s Commentary, OT Vol. 13: Psalms 1-72

Q: What are your attitudes toward the poor, weak, and needy? What biblical verses or principles have most shaped your attitudes?

Psalm 72 teaches us God’s King will:
-reign founded on true justice and righteousness that brings blessing and peace to all
-share His heart for restoring the image-bearing dignity of the poor, weak, and needy