We study today the ideal king and his attributes. This is a vision of the Messiah and his reign. In The Treasury of David Charles Spurgeon reflects on the eternal peace that comes with the Messiah: “Where Jesus reigns he is known as the true Melchizedek, king both of righteousness and peace. Peace based upon right is sure to be lasting, but no other will be.”

Not only will his peace be right, but it will also endure; “when Jesus shall proclaim the great Truce of God, he will ordain perpetual peace... The peace which Jesus brings is not superficial or short lived; it is abundant in its depth and duration. Let all hearts and voices welcome the King of nations; Jesus the Good, the Great, the Just, the Ever blessed.” Amen.

Psalm 72:1-7

1 Give the king your justice, O God,

and your righteousness to the royal son!

2 May he judge your people with righteousness,

and your poor with justice!

3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,

and the hills, in righteousness!

4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

give deliverance to the children of the needy,

and crush the oppressor!

5 May they fear you while the sun endures,

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!

6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,

like showers that water the earth!

7 In his days may the righteous flourish,

and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What are the qualities of the “royal son” [v1]?

+ What does he bring with him to the people?

+ How does the psalmist pray for the people to view God? [v5]

+ What is this king compared to? [v 6-7]

+ What does this passage say about Jesus, his work, his ministry?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What similarities do you see between the good king, the royal son, and Christ?

+ Do I pursue these qualities of righteousness, justice, and care for the poor?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?