Thanksgiving Message
A Psalm for Thanksgiving 2025: Thoughts on the Reign of Jesus
Psalms 72:1-20
1. Setting
• last psalm in Book II of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72)
• messianic psalm with connections to Isa. 11:1-5 and Zech 9:9 (immediate reference/ultimate fulfillment)
• messianic psalm with connections to Isa. 11:1-5 and Zech 9:9 (immediate reference/ultimate fulfillment)
2. Righteous 1-4
• petition for the king
• guardian of justice and protector of the poor (Mt. 25:35)
• guardian of justice and protector of the poor (Mt. 25:35)
3. Endless 5-7
• dynastic endurance (2 Sam. 7:16)
• a word from Pastor Watts (“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”)
• a word from Pastor Watts (“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”)
4. Boundless 8-11
• extension of the empire of God’s chosen king
• prophecy of worldwide dominion
• prophecy of worldwide dominion
5. Compassionate 12-14
• tender care of a sovereign
• display of “diverse excellencies”
• display of “diverse excellencies”
6. Blessed 15-17
• blessed by all and a blessing to all
7. Doxology 18-20
• delight in the hope of His forever rule (2 Sam. 23:1-7; Rev. 21:24)
8. So What?
• Because all your blessings flow from the identity and activity of King Jesus, thank Him for His reign.
• “He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong; to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong; to give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light, whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in His sight.” (James Montgomery, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”)
• “He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong; to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong; to give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light, whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in His sight.” (James Montgomery, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”)