God’s Grace for the Nations (Psalm 67:1-2)
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”
Psalm 67:1-2
Introduction
In the Arab world, traditionally dominated by Islam, Christianity had for centuries been a minority presence. Over the years, various factors, including cultural differences, political instability, and religious restrictions, hindered the Gospel's propagation. Many countries in the region imposed strict rules on religious conversion and evangelism, making the task of sharing Christianity challenging.
However, the narrative began to shift notably in the late 20th century. With the advent of modern technology, globalization, and gradual societal changes, previously impervious borders started becoming more porous. The internet, satellite television, and social media platforms began to play a significant role in disseminating Christian teachings. These technologies provided discreet access to the Gospel for those curious about Christianity but afraid of societal backlash or legal repercussions.
Simultaneously, there has been a rise in underground church movements. House churches - small, covert gatherings of believers - have been springing up across the region. These movements often start small, with a few brave individuals or families committing themselves to their faith despite the risks involved. Through relational evangelism and discipleship, these groups grow, split, and multiply, causing a ripple effect that slowly but steadily expands the Christian presence.
Meanwhile, international Christian organizations and missionary groups have been working behind the scenes, often under challenging conditions, providing support to these growing local churches. They've been involved in tasks like Bible translation, leadership training, and humanitarian aid, further fostering the growth of Christianity in the region.
This trend is reflective of the Scripture from Psalm 67:1-2 – "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations." Despite the various barriers, the grace of God is breaking through, making His ways known in the Arab world, a tangible manifestation of His salvation reaching 'all nations'.
Devotional Reflections on Psalm 67:1-2
In Psalm 67:1-2, we encounter the raw and heartfelt plea of the psalmist directed towards God. This plea is not merely for physical or material blessings but rather seeks the profound spiritual favor of God's grace, a theme recurrent throughout the Psalms. Grace, an unmerited favor, signifies God's benevolent attitude toward humanity, demonstrating His boundless love and mercy.
The concept of God making his face "shine on us" is deeply embedded in ancient Hebrew blessing customs and it's a metaphor filled with rich meaning. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the king's face shining upon someone was a symbol of favor and approval. Thus, the psalmist is imploring God to look upon His people with approval and benevolence, pouring out His loving-kindness upon them.
The phrase 'all nations' used in verse 2 is exceptionally potent, resonating with the global and inclusive nature of God's grace and salvation. Historically, the Israelites viewed themselves as God's chosen people, uniquely recipients of His divine favor. But here, the psalmist broadens this vision, projecting a time when God's salvation extends beyond the boundaries of Israel and flows to all corners of the earth.
This vision aligns with the broader themes of Psalm 67 and indeed the entire biblical narrative. Psalm 67 repeatedly underlines the universal scope of God's blessings, declaring that all the nations on earth will praise God. This same theme reverberates throughout the Bible: the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis promises that through Abraham's offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed.
Furthermore, in the New Testament, Jesus commissions His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." Thus, the Great Commission of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 culminates the narrative, reaffirming that God's love, grace, and salvation are for all people, transcending all cultural, ethnic, and geographical barriers.
Psalm 67:1-2 serves as a focal point, reflecting the broader themes of the Bible and proclaiming God's universal love and favor, reaching all nations and all people.
Application
When we consider Psalm 67:1-2 and its message of God’s grace, we are compelled to challenge our perceptions of the nations. We're invited to acknowledge that God’s divine gifts are not limited to certain groups, but are freely given to all, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or culture. Like the sun that shines equally on all, God's love and grace are for everyone.
The modern church planting movements in the Arab world serve as a potent example of this challenge in action. Christians there, amidst difficult and often hostile conditions, have taken up the mantle to break down barriers of fear, misunderstanding, and hostility to share the love and grace of God with others. They are living out the mandate in this verse, stepping beyond their comfort zones and cultural boundaries, and making God's ways known on earth.
This call to action is not confined to church planters or missionaries, but is extended to each one of us. We too are challenged to play our part in reaching those who haven't experienced God's salvation.
Sharing your faith with your neighbor of a different culture can be a starting point. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's in these uncomfortable places that growth often happens. It's about building relationships, showing genuine interest and love, and being open and honest about your faith when the opportunity arises.
Supporting missionaries and church planting movements is another practical way to respond to this challenge. These organizations often rely on the generous support of others to carry out their work. Your support, whether financial, through volunteering, or by providing resources, can make a significant difference.
Engaging in earnest prayer for the spread of God's salvation to regions where His name is yet to be known is a critical response to our call as believers. Prayer is indeed a potent tool, capable of moving mountains and breaking down spiritual strongholds. When we kneel before God in prayer, we uphold these people and regions before His throne of grace, petitioning Him to open doors, soften hearts, and pave the way for His message of salvation to reach the farthest corners of the earth.
Resources like JoshuaProject.net can be an invaluable aid in this prayer journey. This comprehensive platform provides detailed information about people groups around the world who have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. By utilizing resources like Joshua Project, we can pray more strategically and effectively for these unreached communities. As we learn more about their unique cultures and challenges, we can tailor our prayers to their specific needs, asking God to work in ways that are most relevant to their contexts. In this way, we are not only praying for 'all nations' in a general sense but actively interceding for specific people groups who desperately need to hear the Gospel.
As we accept this challenge, we become active participants in God's mission to make His ways known among all nations, thereby sharing in the joy and reward of seeing His kingdom expand on earth.
Prayer for the Nations
Father, I stand in awe of Your love and grace that extends to all nations. I confess that I have sometimes been limited in my understanding of mission to the nations. Thank you for Your blessings, for the radiant light of Your face shining upon us. I pray for Your guidance as I strive to make Your ways known throughout the earth. Empower me to break down barriers to other cultures and to be a vessel for Your salvation to reach all nations. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions
In what ways have you seen or experienced God's grace in your own life or the lives of others?
How does the message of God's love and grace for the nations in Psalm 67:1-2 challenge your current understanding of God's mission?
What barriers or comfort zones do you feel called to overcome in order to make God's ways known to others?
Immediate Action Step
Visit JoshuaProject.net and choose one unreached people group to learn about. Commit to praying for this group daily for the next week, asking God to open doors and soften hearts so His message of salvation can penetrate these places.
