We all have hopes and dreams – even God.
Peter spelled out God the Father’s hopes when he wrote:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
God the Son spelled out his hopes when he said:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Long before Jesus issued his last command, a psalm-writer expressed the hope that one day people from every nation would worship God and be blessed by him.
You might call Psalm 67 “The Great Commission in the Old Testament.”
If you want to be encouraged, read Psalm 67!
It starts with the high priestly blessing (which is found in Numbers 6:24) for protection, favor and peace:
“May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us.” – Psalm 67:1
Then, it expresses the writer’s heart for all the peoples of the earth:
“so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.” – Psalm 67:2
The chorus is a wish that God would receive what he deserves from all men:
“May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.” – Psalm 67:3
My favorite word in this chorus is the little word, “all.”
My favorite verse in the psalm comes next:
“May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.” – Psalm 67:4
I like this because it reminds me of how good God is (and wants to be) to his people.
Verse 5 repeats the chorus:
“May the peoples praise you,God;
may all the peoples praise you.” – Psalm 67:5
Apparently the psalm-writer really wants this to happen!
And listen to this: when all the nations of the earth are able and active in praising God (i.e., when the Great Commission has been fulfilled), everyone will have plenty, feel blessed and God will be universally revered.
“Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.” – Psalm 67:6-7
This is a prayer worth praying:
“Lord Jesus,
May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for
you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
Amen!”
We are a Great Commission church. His last command is our first concern. We will do anything short of sin to reach people for Christ.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Further Reading:
Hal Seed is the founding and Lead Pastor of New Song Community Church in Oceanside, CA. He mentors pastors who want to lead healthy, growing churches with resources at www.pastormentor.com.
Start Here to learn more about the resources available for you at PastorMentor.