Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen! (Psalm 72:19 ESV)
We all live our lives for a name. The question that we must answer is, whose name do we live for? Because of our broken, sinful hearts, our propensity is to live for our own name, glory, and little kingdoms. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, explains that we traded the glory of God for the glory created things (see Romans chapter 1). Paul goes on to say that we are self-seeking and do not obey the truth (see Rom 2:8).
This is the state of humanity, and because of our sinful nature, we end up striving toward our own rule and reign while living for the glory of our own name. Take a moment to think over your life or even the last week. In what ways have you lived for your own name?
In Psalm 72, we see the prayer of Solomon asking God to empower the royal dynasty of King David. Solomon, in this psalm, is proclaiming the promise that God had made to his father, David. God promised David that He would establish a house through David’s offspring. This house would be built for God’s name to establish his everlasting kingdom (you can read about this in 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Psalm 72 reveals that God’s promised offspring would rule in justice and righteousness (vv. 1-4) throughout future generations (vv. 5-7) with dominion over the whole earth (vv. 8-11).
This future King would rule with compassion towards the needy while gaining prosperity for His throne (vv. 12-17). When this promise is fulfilled, and this kingdom is fully established, then all the peoples of the earth will acknowledge and give rightful honor to this King’s name.
Enter the story, Jesus who was born through David’s line to be the promised King. Yet, in an unlikely way, this King didn’t come to live in a palace or to eat from a silver spoon but humbly emptied Himself to be oppressed for the oppressed. Jesus served us in our deepest need so that the weak might be made strong.
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He was highly exalted (see Philippians 2:1-11). For all who receive this King, and believe in His name, He gave the right to be the children of God (see John 1:12).
King Jesus has now been given all authority in heaven and on earth. In that authority, Jesus has given His followers, the church, a new mission to make disciples, baptizing them in His name (see Matthew 28:16-20). Followers of Jesus are now able to join in the celebratory prayerful shout of Psalm 72:19 and cry out, “Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!”
Rick Bartek
Lead Pastor at Stockham Community Church
401 Scott Street, Stockham, NE
