Psalm 51:18-19
Verse 18 May it please You to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
David finished his psalm of repentance with a plea for the nation of Israel. He understood his role as a leader and how it was largely on his shoulders to lead God’s people in the way of righteousness. These were God’s people and this nation needed to last longer than David’s reign, meaning he needed to pray for God’s people.
David’s first line in today’s reading shows the king hoped his sin hadn’t destroyed the nation. He didn’t want God to condemn the people of Israel because their king had committed such disgusting acts of sin. It was necessary for God’s mercy be shown to those under the repentant king’s leadership. They hadn’t had anything to do with the king’s choices. For these sins they were innocent.
David didn’t stop there, he asked God to increase their walls. This wasn’t a request for a bigger kingdom, it was more than that. David wanted the people of Israel to grow spiritually. He wanted them to desire a life of righteousness lived for the God of heaven. It was the king’s desire for his people to seek God and His ways. These were God’s people after all and it was important they remembered that.
As often happens, when we see the truth of our sin, have repented and are striving to be all that He has called us to be, we can’t help but want the same for others. This isn’t about making sure they know what their sins are, that is the Holy Spirit’s job, but wanting them to see how great it is on the post-repentant side of life.
David knew the heart of his people. He could see them with freshly washed eyes and could see where the whole nation had failed God in the past, some of which was due to poor leadership. It was time for God’s people to be living as God’s people. They had not driven out the people of the land as God had directed and the whole nation was suffering from needless sin because of it. There had been intermarrying with the worshipers of false gods and that was tainting the next generation.
It was time to get the nation on the right track and David knew he couldn’t do it without the Lord’s help. He ended his prayer of repentance by asking God to bring the heart of the nation to repentance just as He had with David.
Making It Personal
How often do you pray for other Christians to be strengthened in their spiritual walk? Do you pray for just Christians you know or across the world? How can you influence your corner of the world for the Lord?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you pray for other Christians? How can you help others know Jesus? Do you pray for yourself to get to know Jesus better?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess we don’t pray for other Christians as often as we should. Give us a heart to see all Christians grow in the faith and may we do the things You have given us to do to help them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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