The Family Business (Psalm 72)

The Family Business

Psalm 72

Matthew 28:18-20

The only hope for the needy is a king who is just, powerful, and can never be removed from power.

I. David’s prayer for his son is that his rule would be known for justice, power, and longevity (vv. 1-17, 20)

A. Justice (vv. 1-7)

B. Power (vv. 8-14; 1 Kings 10)

C. Longevity (vv. 15-17, 20)

II. The kings of Israel were simply meant to be pictures of God’s own rule (vv. 18-19; cf. Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

A. The Weight of Being a King in Israel (Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 1 Kings 12:1-19; Ezekiel 34:2-6)

B. The Weight upon a Infant (Matthew 2:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11)

III. God’s people—both as leaders and individuals—are still called to reflect the God of equity, power, and consistency (Matthew 28:18-20)

A. Leaders in the Family Business (Matthew 28:18-20)

B. You and the Family Business (Philippians 2:5-13)

C. Building Your Strength at the King’s Table

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—Is there anything appealing to you about a family business? What is attractive about it and what is scary? Would you want to be heir to the throne of a country?

2. Tuesday—What is meant by the justice of God (v. 1)? How is justice tied to what it means to be good? What does it mean for a ruler to be good?

3. Wednesday—What is the danger of entrusting too much power to a single person? Would you trust yourself with vast power? Why or why not?

4. Thursday—Why is it surprising that the kings from foreign lands would lay gifts at the feet of Jesus while he was still and newborn infant? What did they understand about this infant? What does his infancy tell us about his character?

5. Friday—What does it look like for us to share in the family business? What does God expect from his whole family?