Psalms

Psalms 67: God blesses for worldwide praise

Begin in prayer

Before we ask for God's blessing, let us consider the purpose this song gives it. Ask that the blessing found in Christ would become known among many nations, drawing them to rejoice in the rule of God.

Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek Yahweh of Armies in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Yahweh.”

Zechariah 8:22

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that God blesses His people so the nations may know His salvation and praise Him. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The song asks for God's mercy, blessing and shining face upon His people. That favour has a purpose reaching beyond them, that His way and salvation may be known among all nations. A repeated prayer calls every people to praise Him. At its centre the nations are invited to rejoice because God judges fairly and governs the earth. The gathered harvest gives evidence of His blessing and reason to trust His continued care. The song ends looking to all the earth's farthest places fearing the God who blesses His people.

As you read Psalms 67, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God blesses His people so that all nations may know His salvation and rejoice in His just rule.

The prayer takes up the priestly blessing from Numbers 6, asking for the favour pictured by God's shining face. Mercy comes first because God's people depend on kindness they cannot earn. Their request reaches outward, seeking His blessing so that His saving way becomes known throughout the earth. The repeated appeal for all peoples to praise Him gives the nations a place in the worship His grace deserves. God's judgment with equity means He treats the peoples justly, giving them reason for gladness under His government. His rule reaches every nation, so no country lies beyond His rightful authority or the call to praise. The earth has already yielded its increase, making the gathered harvest a sign of the Giver's care. Calling Him our own God joins that daily provision to the relationship in which His people trust Him for more. The blessing is finally directed toward reverent worship at the ends of the earth, teaching His people what to seek with every gift.

How does Psalm 67 show us that God blesses His people so that all nations may know His salvation and rejoice in His just rule?

God blesses His people so the nations may know His salvation.

The prayer seeks mercy and the favour of God's shining face. It asks for His saving way to become known across the earth. His people receive His gifts with a purpose that reaches their neighbours and distant nations.

God's just rule gives all peoples reason to rejoice.

The nations are invited to sing because their Judge rules fairly. The harvest also comes from His blessing and points them to the Giver. His people ask for every land to fear Him and join their praise.

Memorise

let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you.

Psalm 67:3

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, who do I know who needs to hear about the mercy of Jesus?

The singer prays, “Let all the peoples praise you.” God's blessing is sought so that His salvation may be known throughout the earth. Even the gathered harvest turns thankful eyes toward the nations still needing to know Him.

We have kept His gifts for ourselves while failing to honour the God who gave them. Jesus gave His life as a ransom for His people, bearing the punishment their selfish rebellion deserved. He rose from the grave. His completed work has fully secured their pardon and their welcome before God.

Turn from your sin and rely on Jesus for mercy. Forgiveness through His saving work is promised to sinners from any nation who come to Him in faith. Ask Him to give you love for people who do not yet know His saving kindness. The risen Saviour sends His people to seek the nations' good, praying for distant peoples and telling those nearby of His salvation.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God blesses His people so the nations may know His salvation and praise Him. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His mercy and ask that all nations would know His salvation. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world.

John 17:18

Merciful God, please bring each of us to trust Jesus for forgiveness. Thank You for daily gifts and Your righteous rule over every nation. Help Your people use what You give in service to Your saving purpose. Bless the preaching of the gospel nearby and far away, so that many peoples will fear You and rejoice in Your salvation. Amen.