By Nate Bull

When I reflect on Psalm 72, one of the things that comes to mind is the major influence the spirit realm has on the natural realm. Some would even go so far as to say the spirit realm dominates the natural realm.

Here, the writer, King Solomon, asks God to lead him in righteous ruling of the people and justice for the afflicted. But look at what seems obvious to Solomon, what naturally follows righteous and just ruling: mountains that bring prosperity, abundance of rain, righteous flourishing, and prosperity abounding. Is it possible that when a nation lacks just and righteous rulers that a natural result is famine, lack, plagues, and the coming to power of the ungodly? Not just possible, probable. Consider the sobering words of 2 Chronicles 7:13-15: “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”

In this Advent season, our crying out for righteous rulers and the coming of the righteous King isn’t only something spiritual. It has the potential to prevent natural disasters, foster economic growth, or help godly leaders come to power. We’re not asking for an economic boost because that’s not the root of the problem. We’re asking for the advent of submission to the true King. All these other blessings are a by-product of his reign in our lives and in our nation.

Prayer: God, reign over our world and help us submit to you. Break our hearts for what breaks yours, use us for your kingdom come, bless us by breaking us of our sin, and heal our land.

Nate Bull is pastor of Forefront Ministries in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and is starting a ministry house in Detroit. The 2016 Advent devotions were written by RCA church planters and parent churches.