The Messiah's Glorious Reign
Psalm 72

The Messiah’s Glorious Reign

Introduction
Psalm 72 paints a powerful picture of the reign of the Messiah, a reign unlike any earthly rule. Unlike the flawed judgments of men, Christ reigns in righteousness, justice, mercy, and everlasting dominion (Psalm 72:1–19).

The Righteous and Just Reign of the Messiah
The psalmist begins by describing the Messiah’s reign as perfectly righteous and just (Psalm 72:1–7). Unlike earthly rulers who often err, Christ never makes mistakes. His justice is complete. He rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked without partiality. Unlike kings of Israel who neglected the poor, Christ cares for the needy. Jesus confirmed this in Matthew 11:4–5, showing compassion for the blind, the lame, and the poor. His reign brings peace and harmony—not to the whole world, but within His kingdom. As citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), we rejoice in submitting to His perfect rule.

A Misused Prophecy: The Peace of the Kingdom
Isaiah 11 describes wolves dwelling with lambs and lions lying with calves. Many interpret this literally, expecting animals to live in peace during some earthly reign. But the prophecy itself identifies the setting: “in all My holy mountain” (Isaiah 11:9). Isaiah 2 explains this mountain as the Lord’s house established in the latter days in Jerusalem, where the word of the Lord would go forth (Isaiah 2:2–3). This was fulfilled in Acts 2, when the church was established in Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:22–23 further identifies this mountain as Mount Zion, the church of the firstborn. The prophecy describes the peace found in Christ’s kingdom, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body (Ephesians 2:14–16). It is spiritual harmony, not animal reconciliation.

The Universal Dominion of Christ
Psalm 72:8–11 emphasizes the worldwide dominion of the Messiah. His reign extends “from sea to sea” with all nations serving Him. This was affirmed by Jesus after His resurrection: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). No culture, religion, or nation is exempt—every knee must bow before Him (Philippians 2:10–11). Psalm 2:8 foretold this universal inheritance. Christ’s dominion covers all people everywhere.

The Merciful Reign of the Messiah
Verses 12–14 describe His mercy. Unlike cruel rulers, Christ delivers the needy and saves the helpless. Romans 5:6 declares that Christ died for the ungodly when we were powerless. Ephesians 1:7 assures us of redemption through His blood, not by merit but by grace. 1 Peter 1:3 speaks of abundant mercy that gives us a living hope through His resurrection. His reign is characterized by mercy toward the undeserving, offering redemption, forgiveness, and hope.

The Everlasting Reign of the Messiah
Finally, Psalm 72:15–19 proclaims that His reign is everlasting. His name endures forever, and all nations will call Him blessed. Psalm 89:36–37 compares His throne to the sun and moon, enduring forever. Revelation 11:15 affirms that the kingdoms of this world belong to Christ, and He shall reign forever. His influence remains the most powerful in history—changing lives, shaping nations, and blessing all who obey Him. Revelation 1:4–8 beautifully portrays Him as the Alpha and Omega, the One who loved us, washed us from our sins in His blood, and made us kings and priests.

The Messiah’s Glorious Reign Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Psalm 72 as a portrait of Christ’s reign (Psalm 72:1–19).

• Righteous and Just Reign (Psalm 72:1–7)

  • Perfect justice—Christ never errs.

  • Care for the poor and needy (Matthew 11:4–5).

  • Peace within His kingdom (Philippians 3:20).

• Prophecy of Peace Misunderstood (Isaiah 11:6–9)

  • Not literal animals, but peace in the church.

  • Isaiah 2:2–3; Acts 2—fulfilled in Jerusalem at Pentecost.

  • Hebrews 12:22–23—Mount Zion, the church.

  • Unity of Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14–16).

• Universal Dominion (Psalm 72:8–11; Psalm 2:8)

  • Authority over all nations.

  • Matthew 28:18—All authority given to Christ.

  • Philippians 2:10–11—Every knee shall bow.

• Merciful Reign (Psalm 72:12–14)

  • Christ delivers the helpless.

  • Romans 5:6—Died for the ungodly.

  • Ephesians 1:7—Redemption by grace.

  • 1 Peter 1:3—Living hope through His resurrection.

• Everlasting Reign (Psalm 72:15–19; Psalm 89:36–37)

  • Christ reigns forever (Revelation 11:15).

  • His influence and name endure eternally.

  • Revelation 1:4–8—The Alpha and Omega, who washed us in His blood.

• Conclusion: The Messiah’s reign is righteous, merciful, universal, and everlasting. His reign began and continues now, in His kingdom, the church.

Call to Action
The Messiah’s reign began and continues now, in His kingdom, the church. His throne is secure, and His invitation remains open. Submit to His righteous authority, rejoice in His mercy, and trust in His everlasting dominion. If you need to obey the gospel, be baptized into Christ today (Acts 2:38). If you have wandered, return to the King who reigns in righteousness and mercy.

Key Takeaways

• Christ reigns in perfect righteousness and justice (Psalm 72:1–7).

• Peace is found within His kingdom, the church (Isaiah 2:2–3; Hebrews 12:22–23).

• His dominion extends over all nations and peoples (Matthew 28:18; Philippians 2:10–11).

• His reign is merciful, offering redemption and hope (Romans 5:6; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3).

• The Messiah’s reign began and continues now, in His kingdom, the church (Psalm 72:15–19; Revelation 11:15).

Scripture Reference List

• Psalm 72: Portrait of the Messiah’s reign—righteous, merciful, universal, everlasting.

• Matthew 11:4–5: Christ’s compassion for the needy.

• Isaiah 11:6–9: Prophecy of peace fulfilled in His kingdom.

• Isaiah 2:2–3: The mountain of the Lord’s house established in Jerusalem.

• Acts 2: Fulfillment at Pentecost, beginning of the church.

• Hebrews 12:22–23: Mount Zion, the church of the firstborn.

• Ephesians 2:14–16: Unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ.

• Psalm 2:8: Nations as Christ’s inheritance.

• Matthew 28:18: All authority given to Christ.

• Philippians 2:10–11: Every knee shall bow.

• Romans 5:6: Christ died for the ungodly.

• Ephesians 1:7: Redemption through His blood.

• 1 Peter 1:3: Living hope by abundant mercy.

• Psalm 89:36–37: Everlasting throne.

• Revelation 11:15: Christ shall reign forever.

• Revelation 1:4–8: The Alpha and Omega, who washed us in His blood.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO