May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world. [Psalm 67.2-4]
Notice that the Psalmist is using phrases that, in English, are arranged similarly to Jesus' teaching on prayer.
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. [Matthew 6.9-10]
Focus on the word, "May." The Psalmist (David - the "man after God's own heart") and Jesus (God's one and only Son) are both speaking in a way that puts them in agreement with God and His will. They are, in essence saying, "I am using my mouth to say the things You have already said or willed."
Jesus very clearly articulated that He came to earth to do the will of God and that alone.
Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. [John 4:34]
For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. [John 6:38]
For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” [John 6:40]
Jesus frequently quoted the Psalms. It might be concluded then that we might do well to understand why if we are to live and work in accordance with God's will!
In the subject passage above alone, we see wording that defines God's will and love for the entire world. No doubt Jesus was familiar with (perhaps even thinking of it) when He told Nicodemus:
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [John 3.16-17]
It is purely fact that it is impossible for us to agree with God's will if we do not know God's will. The best way for us to know God's will is to know God's Word.
What we can therefore conclude from Psalms 67.2-4 is that God desires His ways and salvation to be known throughout the earth and for all mankind to serve and worship Him. Let's compare this then to Jesus' words of commission to His followers (look at all four accounts from the Gospels):
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20]
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” [Mark 16:15-18]
It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ [Luke 24:47]
Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20:21-23]
Our mission field is the world (any and all people).
The point of this post is that we are called to reach all the world. We are to agree with God's will for the world, first with our words (prayer) and then, with our actions. The Bible very consistently teaches this and the sooner we get on board, the better.
Father, may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
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