LORD’S DAY, JULY 22
Psalm 20:1-9
Isaiah 9:7

In Thy House are joys evermore!

“GOD SAVE THE KING” (1)

David who composed Psalm 20 as a prayer has set a pattern for every Christian nation that they should seek God’s protection than rely on their own might. In this connection, Rudyard Kipling’s “Recessional” is a devout echo to David’s call to allegiance to the Divine and trust in Almighty. How anthems of Christian nations contrast sharply with those outside the pale of Christianity. The heathen nations may pray for their sovereign’s longevity, or to stir up patriotism, but God is out of their vocabulary.

Insofar as the British Anthem is concerned, there is no doubt that the true religion is deeply embedded in the lyrics, but do the subjects of a royal nation sing their Anthem in sincerity and in truth? It is good to recall the words of King George VI, father of Queen Elizabeth II. When war broke out between Great Britain and Germany in September 1939, he summoned the Nation and Empire to a Day of Prayer and Humiliation before Almighty God. He said, “Let us pray not that God be on our side but rather we be on God’s side.” “God Save the King” and now under Queen Elizabeth II, “God Save the Queen” is quite meaningless unless the English people can sing from the depths of their heart.

David’s composition of this Anthem for his people to sing as a prayer for the king’s salvation and victory over his enemies in battle is for the purpose, no doubt, of bolstering the faith of future generations, though primarily it is for nation building under his rule. David, the founder of Israel, was a warring king all the days of his life.

Some commentators think this Psalm of Prayer for the King is prophetical of the Lord Jesus and the cry of the ancient Church on behalf of her King as she sees Him fighting courageously for her cause. The Church militant is seen here pleading for her Head, the Captain of her salvation, that He might prosper in battle against the evil one. Remember that Christ is not only our Prophet and Priest but also King.

THOUGHT:  (Read Isaiah 9:7.)
PRAYER: Lord, may Thou lead the government of my country.