Day 84: Reaching the Nations

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 67: 1-7

Central Thought: God wants the message of His salvation to reach every nation

In this short Psalm we see the great evangelistic heart of God. The word ‘nations” is used three times, and the word ‘peoples” is used five times. The thought of the Psalm is summarized in the last verse—’let all the ends of the earth fear him.”

Jesus commanded His disciples to ‘go. . . and make disciples of all nations. . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19,20). We have not received these orders without authority to accomplish the task. Jesus had been given ‘all authority in heaven and on earth” (verse 18). He promised, ‘And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (verse 20). We will not carry His message without His power and His presence.

‘The church is the only society in the world,” said Archbishop Temple, ‘that exists solely for the benefit of its non-members.” Each believer is responsible to fulfill his or her part of the task. No one should say, ‘I didn’t go because I wasn’t called.” Every believer is called to share the message of salvation with those around him.

The hearing of the salvation message is as important to unbelievers as Jesus’ death and resurrection. How will they know He died for them unless they hear it from you and me? Are we faithfully living Christ’s love, joy, and peace? Are we telling others about His great love for them?

Devotional Prayer: Today, Lord, help me to tell of your salvation through what I say and how I live.

Today’s Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29; Luke 6:12-38; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 11:27