Deuteronomy 18-21, Psalm 67, Matthew 27:11-26, Romans 12:9-21

Psalm 67:

The psalm begins with a reflection on the famous Aaronic blessing that God commanded the priests to bless his people with (Numbers 6:22-27). But now this psalm is interpreted in a missionary context. This blessing is “that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations” (67:2).

The blessing of God, then, is for the salvation of people. Is that how we think of our blessings? Is that how we think of what it means to ask God to bless us and make his face to shine upon us? God blesses us that we might be a vehicle of evangelism, mission, and blessing to all the nations.

What is more, this blessing is for the joy of all nations. “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy” (67:4). Too often do we interpret God-centeredness with moroseness, biblical fidelity with failure, seriousness about God with sadness. No! Instead, the more committed we are to God, the more joyful we will find ourselves to be! The purpose of salvation is the glory of God (“Let the peoples praise you, O God,” 67:3) and the gladness of the nations (“Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,” 67:4). If someone asks you why you want to share Christ with them or why you support missionaries to share Christ around the world, let them know this: that all nations might rejoice and God might be praised!

The psalm, though, concludes with a further thought. “The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us” (67:6). The salvation of God is the fulfillment of the purpose of all creation! (See Romans 8:19-22). This morning, then, would you praise God that knowing him is being on the path to joy? Would you also commit afresh to not only know God, but to make him known? And to make that commitment that the saving of the nations is the route to the rejoicing of the nations and the praising of God?