A litmus test for national leaders - Psalm 72-74

With the political elections right around the corner, Psalm 72 seems appropriate for us when we consider electing a national leader. In this Psalm, King David outlines for us what a righteous leader should look like. Of course, our society is not necessarily looking for a righteous leader. We seem to be looking for a leader with charisma, someone who will give us our money back, someone who will make us feel good about ourselves. We really want someone who will make us wealthy and feel comfortable. However in Psalm 72 David give us a completely different look of what a great leader should be. According to David, a great leader is first and foremost righteous and just. A righteous and just leader executes righteousness and justice. They care for the oppressed and they protect the poor. He makes judgments according to God's righteous standards. He solicits peace and he vindicates the needy. Yet his judgments come down with mercy and his decisions like a refreshing rain. He has the respect of nations as well as nomads. He is as equally concerned about the blood of violence as he is the abundance of wealth. This type of leader leaves a legacy for others and receives blessings from God. The next time you're ready to pull a yes or a no for a leader, use the litmus test of Psalm 72.