Day 273 Rise & Reign: The King Who Rules with Righteousness

Psalm 72 is a prayer for a king to rule with God’s heart—but it ultimately points us forward to Christ, the eternal King whose reign is marked by justice and mercy.

9/30/20252 min read

Rise & Reign: The King Who Rules with Righteousness

by Torrie Slaughter

(Psalm 72:1–20)

Have you ever longed for a leader who embodies justice, righteousness, and compassion? Psalm 72 gives voice to that ache. Attributed to Solomon, it’s a prayer for a king to rule with God’s heart—but it ultimately points us forward to Christ, the eternal King whose reign is marked by justice and mercy.

A Kingdom of Righteousness

“Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.” (v.1)
This prayer asks for a ruler who governs not with self-interest but with God’s own character. Jesus fulfilled this perfectly. Every word, act, and decision reflected the Father’s heart—lifting the lowly, defending the oppressed, and revealing a kingdom unlike any other.

A Kingdom Without Borders

“May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” (v.8)
Christ’s kingdom is not confined to one nation. His reign extends to the ends of the earth, touching every tribe, tongue, and generation. Today, as His people, we are called to carry His kingdom into our homes, workplaces, and communities, making His love visible in every space we occupy.

The Compassionate King

“He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.” (v.12)
The strength of a king is measured by how he treats the vulnerable. Jesus doesn’t just notice the broken—He rescues them. He enters into our pain and lifts us out of despair. His reign is one of compassion in action, not distant pity.

The Eternal Reign

“Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.” (vv.18–19)
Unlike earthly rulers who rise and fall, Christ’s reign is everlasting. Psalm 72 ends with a doxology because the only fitting response to such a King is worship.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, our righteous King, reign in us today. Let Your justice shape our decisions, Your mercy soften our hearts, and Your compassion move us to action. Use our lives to reflect Your kingdom on earth until the day when all nations bow before You. Amen.