Psalm 72

 
On November 9th 2016 my six-year-old daughter’s school convened an assembly in which her principal and teachers consoled students in the aftermath of the presidential election. I was troubled by the despair conveyed from educators to first graders. That same day social media was littered with inappropriate optimism in response to the election. One camp anticipates the end of the world; the other anticipates mythical grandeur. In my estimation, both are modeling an unbiblical response to a presidential election. To an earthly president they have ascribed authority and competence that is unique to an eternal King. In light of this The Embassy Church, on the authority of Psalm 72, has chosen to clarify sound expectations of an earthly president in a post-election sermon. He defends the poor, delivers the children of the needy, and crushes the oppressor (v. 4). He does so through the lenses of justice (v. 1-2). More to the point, our prayer is that he does so by surrendering his person and office to the LORD, the eternal King who does wondrous things (v. 1, 18-19). Despair and optimism were both inappropriate because they hinged hope on the temporary holder of a temporal office. Our hope is in the Christ who was divinely appointed as eternal King. Such a realization gives perspective to an election; no matter who wins.

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