A Wise Ruler

A Reflection for Thursday, December 4 by Pastor Joy Fishler

Lectionary reading for 12/04/2025: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Isaiah 4:2-6; Acts 1:12-17, 21-26; Selected passage for reflection: Hebrews 11:32-40 

Read 

Psalm 72:1-7 MSG

Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,

    the gift of just rule to the crown prince.

May he judge your people rightly,

    be honorable to your meek and lowly.

Let the mountains give exuberant witness;

    shape the hills with the contours of right living.

Please stand up for the poor,

    help the children of the needy,

    come down hard on the cruel tyrants.

Outlast the sun, outlive the moon—

    age after age after age.

Be rainfall on cut grass,

    earth-refreshing rain showers.

Let righteousness burst into blossom

    and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.

Rule from sea to sea,

    from the River to the Rim.

Reflect

I can get upended over injustice. Living in a world where relationships and circumstances aren’t what they could be is not easy to navigate these days. Verse 1, I stared at it and read it over and over. “Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God.” What happens when the king isn’t wise? What happens when the husband, the wife, the teacher, the supervisor, or the police officer “rules” in an unjust and unwise manner? What then? We can all answer that question to some degree or another.

Lately, I find myself being a judge. I’m deciding what is wise and what isn’t. I’m often critical, and honestly, with good reason. Yet, last I checked, I am indeed not a judge. Jesus isn’t on “my side.” I have to remind myself of that lately more times than I care to admit. And sure, perhaps we can point out the foolishness in those in places of authority, but let’s examine our own first.

Psalm 72 is a prayer for God’s justice, fair judgment for the poor, protection for the weak, peace for the land, and prosperity and abundance. Where am I placed and trusted to have authority? Who do I “rule” over? Is my leadership a reflection of Jesus? Am I seeking justice in my family and in my community? Am I taking care of the weak and the poor in my own neighborhood and city? Am I sowing peace? 

Respond 

This psalm was either written by David for his son, Solomon, or by Solomon in his early years as king. It is written as a prayer or a blessing. Reread this Scripture and this time, personalize it and pray it back to the Lord:  Jesus, please grant me the gift of wisdom. May I be honorable and meek (and so forth - keep going). 

Pray it again, and this time pray it over a leader of your choice. I can judge, or I can pray. There is power in praying Scripture, and may we be a people who seek Jesus in all we do and say.

Rest 

Jesus, how patient you are with us. How patient you are with our leaders. We ask for your justice in our land. We ask for wisdom and for humility: a people who are all about doing what you do and going where you lead. Our city needs you. Our country needs you. Our world needs you, and we need you to help us look more like you. Have your way in us and through us, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

About the Author 

Joy Fishler is an Ordained Minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church. She currently resides in the Sacramento area with her family and serves as the Pastor of Adult Ministry at Life Community Church. She loves Jesus, loves people, and absolutely loves raising her teenage girls. She has a passion for preaching and leading people to the heart of the Father. She truly believes that there is nothing better than Jesus and following Him is the only life worth living. @joyfullyunfilteredandstuff