How does Psalm 72:9 inspire us to submit to Christ's authority today? Psalm 72:9 at a Glance “May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.” Christ’s Universal Reign Foreshadowed - Psalm 72 was first prayed over Solomon, yet its language ultimately stretches beyond any earthly king to the Messiah (cf. v. 17). - Scripture affirms that every knee will literally bend to Jesus: Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11. - The picture of foes “licking the dust” points to total, willing or unwilling, subjection (compare Psalm 2:12; Revelation 19:15). Why This Calls Us to Submit Today - Christ’s authority is not future only; He already sits at the Father’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20-22). - Refusal to submit now puts us among the king’s “enemies,” a seriously real category (Luke 19:27). - Glad surrender is the mark of those who truly know Him (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). Recognizing Our Resistance - We often crave autonomy—“I’ll decide what’s best.” - Culture prizes self-rule; Scripture prizes God’s rule (Judges 21:25 vs. Proverbs 3:5-6). - The psalm reminds us that resistance is temporary; Christ’s reign is permanent and absolute. Practical Ways to Bow Before the King 1. Daily Scripture intake—submitting intellect and desires to His revealed will. 2. Quick obedience—responding immediately when conviction comes (James 1:22). 3. Yielded speech—aligning words with His lordship (Ephesians 4:29). 4. Stewardship of resources—treating money, time, and talents as His property (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 5. Gospel witness—publicly acknowledging His kingship before others (Matthew 10:32). The Joy Found in Submission - Submission leads to protection and provision under the King’s care (Psalm 23:1). - It produces peace of conscience—no war with God, but fellowship (Romans 5:1). - It fuels worship; the more we bend the knee, the higher our praise ascends (Revelation 5:13). Looking Ahead with Confidence - Psalm 72 ends with the earth “filled with His glory” (v. 19). - Every act of present-day submission previews that glorious certainty (Revelation 11:15). - Until the kingdom is visible, we live as citizens who already know the outcome—and gladly bow now, while there is joy in choosing to do so. |
    |