laws according to circumstances and thus there are continual changes, improvements and so-called reforms carried out from time to time. Over and over we hear that “Well, this is the law” ; and while it was made with good intent, it may be necessary for some people, yet it proves a hindrance to others. Furthermore, while it is just and fair for some, it is unfair to others. However, the laws of this kingdom do not need improvement, nor do they need to be changed or altered for these laws are perfect as God is perfect. Should you want to read more in detail what these laws will be dining the kingdom age, you have only to turn to the Beatitudes or the Sermon on the Mount where in Matthew 5, 6 and 7 there are set forth the principles that shall govern this kingdom. Let me illustrate what I mean by setting forth just the first ten verses of this fifth chapter. “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: “ And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. “ Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. “ Blessed are the m eek for they shall inherit the earth. “ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. “ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:1-10.) No wonder then there will be uni versal happiness. Looking back at the words of the Psalmist the blessing of this is shown in the sixth verse where this kingdom will fall softly and gently, bringing refreshment upon a world that has suffered and burned in the desert of godless injustices of mankind. Here also it is quite clear' that the wicked will not be suffered to hinder them and that Messiah’s dominion will reach from shore to shore. Israel’s promises extended only as far as the great river as we read: “ In the same day the Lord made a cove nant with Abram, saying, “ Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:” (Gen. 15:18.) You will notice here that Messsiah’s was to reach indefinitely beyond the river to the world’s end. Not only are we here given the prophetic picture of the universal happiness of mankind under the administration of righteous-
showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.” (Matt. 4:8.) Now in this Psalm we are, so to speak, taken up by the Spirit and shown the kingdom of Messiah, and as we behold the unusual glory and s p l e n d o r we cannot help but be thrilled with admiration and delight. Here then before our very eyes is a prophetic picture of what it will be like in that day. Therefore, we now proceed to consider some of the things testified here as to the glory of Christ’s kingdom. I. SOVEREIGNTY IN ITS GREATEST “ Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.” (Psalm 72:1.) In many respects David and Solo mon were great kings for they felt their dependence upon and subjection to God, and that it was their duty to rule themselves and their people ac cording to God’s law. However, in spite of this it is no secret that in many things they offended and failed. Vivid, divine accounts of these of fenses are unforgettable, but here in unique contrast is a King who comes short of nothing in God’s glory, for in Him complete and perfect “ right eousness” and “judgment” are found. Therefore, of all the kings, queens, potentates and rulers in the total his tory of mankind we find here for the first and only time a perfect Sov ereign. Look long and carefully at this fact. Nowhere else will you find anything comparable to it. At last the world will have a perfect Sovereign and thus sovereignty in its greatest. II. AN ADMINISTRATION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS “H e shall judge thy people with right eousness, and thy poor with judgment. “ The mountains shall bring peace to the
people, and the little hills, by righteous ness. “ He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. “ They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, through all gener ations.” (Psalm 72:2-5.) What could be more refreshing than these words to those of us who find ourselves living in a world of graft and corruption, where honesty, virtue and integrity seem to be smoth ered and choked under the highhand ed, ruthless spirit of evil. Nor is this all. From the pages of history we can glean that it is merely the reassurance of that which has gone before and has always existed in one degree or another. Here at last is a government and an administration of righteous ness. Here we are told that the age will be characterized by justice and that there will be no respect of per sons; friends will not be unduly fav ored nor enemies unfairly punished. At last the condition and interest of all are considered and the poor espe cially regarded. Here at last justice will be blended with mercy. This is the long looked for perfect govern ment, possessing and using perfect wisdom and administering that only which is righteous. Think of such an administration. No blunders, no mis takes, no accidents, no misjudgments, no unfair decisions, no prejudice or biased opinions. Is it any wonder then that the intelligent believer lifts up his eyes and says with John, “ come, Lord Jesus, come.” Surely, such per fect sovereignty and the administra tion of such righteousness cannot help but have a great effect upon the people and that is exactly what the Psalm proceeds to tell us. III. UNIVERSAL HAPPINESS “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. “ In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace, so long as the moon endureth. “ He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 72:6-8.) The goal of every good government should be the welfare and happiness of the people over whom it rules. It is most interesting to observe here that the laws of the kingdom are not only adapted to the nature and neces sities of man, but designed for the welfare of those who obey them. These laws which are not arbitrary are founded in truth and are eternally fixed. Let us not forget this because it is most important. Earthly govern ments, we have observed, regulate the
*Dr. Lindsey is pastor of the First Pres byterian Church of Tacoma, Washington.
21
JANUARY, 1959
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker