Missions

Why God Blesses His People (Ps. 67:1-5, 96:1-9) Psalm 67 was often sung as part of the Harvest Festival. It is considered a Psalm to be sung in corporate worship as opposed to individual worship. The blessing of God’s face (Ps. 31:16, 67:1, 119:135, Prov. 16:15, Num. 6:24-26, blessing God gave through Moses for Aaron to bless Israel) In Numbers Chapter 6 the reference for God is YHWH or Jehovah. This name is Israel’s covenant name for God. It is an intimate name for the relationship Israel enjoyed with God. Numbers Chapter 6 is a blessing for Israel, the covenant people. In Psalm 67 the Hebrew name used for God is Elohim. This name refers to the God of all people. God has always intended to bless Christians as well as Israel (Eph. 1:3-4) There seems to be a basic human desire, across the globe and throughout human history to seek some form of divine blessing. What is the purpose of this blessing upon Israel/God’s People? For all the nations/peoples of the earth to know God’s saving power (Ps. 67:2, 98:2, Isa. 65:1, Luke 2:29-31, Acts 28:28, Rom. 10:18-20, Titus 2:11) For all the nations/peoples to join in praising God (Ps. 66:1, 67:3-5, Rom. 15:10-11) That all shall be blessed (Gen. 12:2-3, Ps. 67:6-7) There are 3 different Hebrew terms used for people in Psalm 67. In verse 3 the word is the plural form of am, people ammim. In verse 4 the Hebrew word for people is Ieow. This is a group of individuals with a corporate identity, like the people of Israel or the people of Syria. In verse 2 the word for nations is goyim This is sometimes translated heathen in the King James. This refers to a nation, a heathen nation, gentiles or a foreign people. This blessing goes to other people besides Israel. So, in effect, when singing this song, Israel/God’s People are asking for God’s salvation to go to all peoples. This song is about the “spiritual harvest”. About how God blesses us, in order that we may be a blessing to others, so that they will be inspired to join us in worshipping and praising God. God has sent a call for “workers” for this “harvest” (Matt.9:37-38, Luke 10:2) God’s missionary plan is for all people to be reached (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18–20) What’s involved in bringing the Gospel to other nations/people groups? When John looked at the conclusion of God’s saving activity, his final “harvest” (Matt. 13:39, Rev. 14:15 & 16), he saw that the purpose of God was fulfilled. God’s salvation reached people from every tribe and language and people and nation. (Rev. 5:9; 7:9, 14:3) Is the United States a “blessed people” and a “light to the nations” (Isa. 49:6)?

Many nations boast of their power and their independence as sovereign states. And when they do the Lord laughs. Because he made the nations, determined their allotted periods of time and the boundaries of their habitation (Acts 17:26). "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord, he turns it wherever he wills" (Prov. 21:1) Why should we sing to God? (Ps. 96:1) He is the source of our salvation (Ps. 96:2) He has done (and is doing) wonderful works (Ps. 72:18, 96:3) He is above all other “gods” (Ps. 95:3, 96:4-5) He created and sustains the earth (Gen. 1:1, Ps. 96:5, Isa. 42:5)