‘Do Good…To Zion’

‘Do Good…To Zion’

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Psalm 51:18-19

As David concludes this psalm of repentance, he takes the broad view of the benefits of restoration. He petitions God to, ‘Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.’ He understands that, as the king, his spiritual condition will have an effect upon the nation. He realizes that, as the leader of Gods’ people, he will shepherd God’s flock for good or ill. If God does restore him, ‘Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.’ A good king is mindful of the welfare of his people, and there is no greater concern to David within this context than that they worship God, ‘in spirit and in truth.’ He wants God to accept their worship. David desires the greatest spiritual good for the greatest number of people. He understands that, as his lack of being right with God has affected them, so his being right with God would also affect them. We should learn from David’s example. Our relationship with God affects other people. As we walk with Christ and imitate Him, others see it and it has an effect upon them. If we are far from Christ and behaving in a manner contrary to Grace and to God, that has an effect as well. Because we are Christ’s, we lead others, be they many or few. Our spirituality will affect them. Today, let us look again to Christ to draw us near to Himself, that we may daily imitate Him, and thereby point others to Him. By this, we will do the greatest good to the greatest number of people.

Our Kind and Gracious God,
we rejoice in all the ways in which You do us good.
We praise You that Christ is the great manifestation of Your Goodness,
and the we are complete in Him.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning