Second Sunday in Advent: Psalm, Psalm 72:1-7                      

Psalm 72:1-7

Kings need help. Ancient kings. Modern kings. All kings, all rulers need help. Psalm 72 comes from the pen of a king who, in human terms, was probably the most apt king of them all. If you’re a careful Bible reader, you will remember that King Solomon is given reference as a man of great wisdom. So much so that other world leaders would seek him out for counsel. Here’s why. He prayed. And he prayed to the One, the only One, who could give him that for which he asked.

From the “prayer closet” of Solomon in this week’s psalm we read, “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice” (Ps. 72:1-2). Solomon goes on with his request, but the critical issues are this: Solomon knows from whom He is asking, and he is certain he will be heard and answered.

Oh, that the leaders of our world today would make such requests of the Governor of the Universe. That they would “Kiss the Son” as the second psalm gives counsel to all heads of state. In every age. In every land.

Kings need help. The King of all Kings is available and is ready to hear and answer the pleas of earthly kings, queens, princes and paupers. “We are all beggars,” Martin Luther reportedly said at his end. What the king needs, we all need. Beg away.