Psalm 72

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

On Good Friday, our next Psalm in order -- Psalm 71 -- wound up being a very appropriate glimpse of some of the themes of the day of crucifixion. How about the next Psalm in order -- Psalm 72 -- will it be a worthy reflection for Easter Sunday?

Psalm 72 is not a "Psalm of David"; the notation at the beginning of this prayer tells us that it is "A Psalm of Solomon." Solomon was, of course, David's son. He would eventually succeed David as King of Israel. Solomon started his career as a very faithful young man. So let's look at the faith of this moment as a leader in waiting prays that the Lord will bless the true king, who happens to be his father. In fact, let's look at that as the context for our Easter prayers. Let's consider ourselves leaders in waiting and let's pray that God the Father will bless the resurrected king, Jesus Christ.

Therefore, let's imagine that it's Easter Sunday evening. The dark fear of the last few days has finally been eclipsed by the resurrected light. Imagine the disciples sitting down to dinner -- still a little confused, minds still reeling -- but making toasts over their meal:

+ Peter says, "5 May he live as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon continues in the skies. Yes, forever!"

+ James lifts the next glass, "6 May his reign be as refreshing as the springtime rains – like the showers that water the earth."

+ John says, "7 May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the end of time."

+ Andrew says, "8 May he reign from sea to sea."

+ Matthew says, "12 He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them."

+ Bartholomew says, "15 May the people always ... bless him all day long."

+ Simon the Zealot says, "17 May the king's name endure forever."

+ Thaddeus says, "17 May all nations [choose to] be blessed through him."

+ Peter raises his cup again: "15 Long live the king!"

+ And all the disciples lift theirs in unison, crying, "19 Bless his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!"

You are a leader in training. Like the disciples on Easter Sunday evening, you may not now or ever understand all the details of God and faith and resurrection; nevertheless, what's your toast? What does Easter leave you cheering in your heart? What does our world need most? Pray for that. Pray that his kingdom may advance in this coming year. And pray that you may be a stronger leader in that march.

Generous God,

in one sense, the resurrection happened two thousand years ago;

therefore, the thing that needs resurrected today is me.

In another sense, let me not forget that

the resurrection is always in the present tense --

Christ IS risen!

Help that be my victory cry.

Remind me always that your Son is always with me,

that he is -- present tense --

my confidant, my intercessor, my brother, my king, my friend.