Lent Devotional

My name is Greg Imhoff. I'm called by His name (2 Chron. 7:14); a blood-bought (Galatians 3:13) child of Jesus (1 John 3:1). I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19–20); I'm His. I have been married to Liz for forty-one lovely years, and we have three beautiful children — Lauren, Gregory, and Nicholas — all given from God (Psalm 127).

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My great joy has been attending Fellowship for over thirty years — a church that preaches the Word of God with purpose and without hesitation, apology, or compromise. I have been active at one time or another with the Care Team, Visitation Team, Band of Brothers, Catalyst, and various Bible studies. Inspired by the Band of Brothers, four of us formed a ministry called "Brothers of Band of Brothers" to go more deeply and continuously into comforting our fellow brothers. A tax lawyer by trade, I was raised in a family of nine and attended Marquette, Notre Dame, and SMU.

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1. In what ways do I see Christ in this passage?

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Psalm 72 beautifully blesses the successor king of Israel — the one who rules justly, comforts the needy, and deserves our praise. We quickly see that although David and Solomon may have prayed this psalm for their own sons, only one King fulfills this vision: Jesus.

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As soon as the righteous successor King is prayed for, blessings flow to the people. This is how Jesus reigns. Recall His reading in the synagogue: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... He has sent me to... set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:16–19). To John the Baptist, He said, "The lame walk, the deaf hear..." (Luke 7:22).

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We can't help but contrast His righteous reign with that of our own leaders — at any time and every level. Jesus plainly called us out, and His words are just as current today as they were then: "Thus says the Lord God: Should not shepherds feed the sheep? The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them." (Ezekiel 34)

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Compare that to our Psalm 72 King. In Jesus: His people flourish (v. 15–17). His strength and righteousness bless His people (v. 1–4). His heart pities the needy (v. 12–14). His presence brings Him the honor of the nations (v. 17). His God gets the glory (v. 18–19).

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2. In what ways does this passage impact my heart's desire to repent and worship Jesus?

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The Psalmist concludes with praises to God (v. 18–20). So should we. "Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come..." Psalm 72 reminded me of the delightful description of King Jesus by Pastor S. M. Lockridge, known for his powerful sermon: "That's my King!" If you have not heard it, look it up on YouTube. It is a wonderful way to worship Jesus.

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3. How might this passage lead us to honor God and bless others?

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Our King is the Good Shepherd (v. 12–14, John 10:11). With righteousness He rules, shepherding His people. Let us all be reminded that He has given us His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21). So, with and in His righteousness, let us be good shepherds of all that He has entrusted to us — especially the relationships we have with our brothers and sisters, whether at home, at work, or at church.