Let the Nations Rejoice!

Daily Devotional: Read Psalm 117

On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech during the dedication ceremony of Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg. His speech lasted only two minutes and contained 271 words. Despite its brevity, Lincoln's words had a monumental impact. They are frequently quoted and have become a significant part of American heritage.

Civil War

The Power of Psalm 117

Psalm 117 may be the shortest chapter in the Bible, yet its meaning is profound. It opens with a call to praise. Interestingly, this call is not directed at Israel or the worshiping community. Instead, the psalmist invites the nations to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel (v. 1)! This psalm serves as a reminder that God’s desire has always been to reach the nations through Israel.

God called Israel not to reject the nations but to invite them into true worship (Gen. 12:3). The apostle Paul echoed this teaching, stating, “Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Rom. 15:8–9).

Reasons to Praise

The psalmist does not merely call the nations to worship God; he also provides reasons to do so. He states, “For great is his love toward us” (v. 2). The word "great" here is powerful and can be better translated as “prevailed.” God's love has prevailed in a fallen world. His commitment to provide salvation for all people is unshakable (v. 2).

This psalm offers a helpful perspective on evangelism. When we share the gospel, we invite others to join us in worshiping the true God. This is our purpose. Praise God that in His mercy, He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

Reflect on Your Mission

Who are some people in your life that you could share the gospel with? Imagine what it would be like to have them join you in worship! Think about the impact this could have on your community and beyond.

Pray with Us

Father, Your Son became the suffering servant so that we could know and serve You. Give us desires that align with Your will. Humble and shape us into obedience to You and Christlike service.

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

Psalm 117:1

The Call to Action

As we reflect on Psalm 117, let us remember the importance of our mission. We are called to share God’s love with those around us. Each interaction is an opportunity to spread His message.

Let’s take a moment to consider how we can be more intentional in our daily lives. Whether it’s through conversations, social media, or community events, we can be vessels of His love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Psalm 117 reminds us of our purpose and the power of God’s love. Let us embrace this call to worship and share it with others. Together, we can create a community that uplifts and inspires one another in faith.

Let’s commit to being active participants in this divine mission. After all, we are not alone; we have each other and the love of God guiding us every step of the way.

---wix---