Read Psalm 72:8-14. 8May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! 9May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! 10May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! 12For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. 13He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. 14From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
We see now that this royal psalm is not just about a king of Israel, but a king to the ends of the earth. One who receives homage from the Gentile realms. All kings will fall before him, and all nations will serve him. This psalm describes Christ the king – homage that only Jesus deserves, and service that only Jesus can give.
Solomon made the yoke of his people heavy (1 Kings 12:4).
Jesus brought to his people an easy yoke and a light burden (Matt. 11:28).
In Christ his church joins together, representing the nations of the Earth, bringing the gift of praise to our king. Daily we fall before him and forever we will serve him. Why? Because he first served us. He left his dominion and fell down before humanity. The oppression and violence of mankind spilt his precious blood. Yet he delivered our needy lives from the oppression of our sin by his death for us. Now, in his name, we deliver the needy by our good works and our grace filled witness.
To live is Christ allows the dominion of Christ to reign in our hearts producing compassion and reconciliation in the church and life overflowing to the world.
You: How difficult/easy is it for you to see Christ as your king?
You in Christ: In Christ you have a king who serves you with his very own life. How does this differ from anything else you might worship or serve?
Christ in you: What might change if Christ truly reigned in your heart today?
Pray: Jesus, bring us together in praise and service to you, and compassion and mercy for the needy around us. Amen.
To Live is Christ 