SOAP 10/26/2015; Psalm 72:1-2

Today's reading: Job 17; Acts 24, 25, 26*

S) "¹ Give the king Your judgments, O God,
And Your righteousness to the king’s son.
² May he judge Your people with righteousness
And Your afflicted with justice."

Psalm 72:1-2 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 72

O) This is a psalm of Solomon, and based on the last line of the chapter, it seems reasonable that he wrote this shortly after ascending the throne of Israel. The whole song is poetically giving characteristics of a good king, and they are almost summarized in these first two verses. Solomon, right from the start, realized that the office of king was over his head, and he would need the help of the LORD if he was ever to reign well. So, we see consistency in v.1, with Solomon's first prayers to God when he asked for wisdom to rule justly. He seemed to understand (at least initially) that being king was about serving God's people. He was king, but God was God. These people weren't his subjects, but God's children.

A) This is the same mentality I should have as a husband and dad. My wife and kids are not my subjects, living in my home to serve me. They do not exist for my pleasure and satisfaction. On the contrary, they are God's children, and I am their steward. I am keeping them safe, protected, nourished, and healthy until the LORD claims them back from me. Until that happens, it is part of my office that I would administer justice, judge them righteously, protect, serve, lead, and love them.

P) Father, You are infinite in wisdom and righteousness. I desire to resemble You, to reflect Your character. It is my hope that, when my wife and children look at me, it reflects well on their heavenly Father. So Lord, I ask for You to give their dad Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to my children and wife. May I judge Your people with righteousness and Your humble servants with justice. Let me follow You closely, Lord. Let them be following You, as they follow me following You. Help me to disciple my children. Help me to edify my wife. Be glorified in how I lead my family, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.