As we've noted before, we seem to have a bend towards turning things in on ourselves. We pray for our own churches, our own ministries, and hope the Lord blesses our own people. That's not wrong, per se, but it is short sighted in the scope of the promises God made to Abraham.

Psalm 67 still asks for blessing on its people, but not so that blessing could be consumed. He asks for God's grace on His people "so that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."

Honestly, it's the same pattern we've seen all week. God blesses Abraham so the families of the earth might be blessed. Paul then helps us understand all those of faith share in Abraham's blessing and Jesus reminded us the promise was always moving towards Him. Psalm 67 gathers all this up into praise; blessing and mission together. Worship and outward witness belong together. Grace received becomes grace proclaimed.

The tone of this Psalm is one of beauty. The nations are not pictured as a threat to be feared but as future worshipers. If God's intention is to bring blessing to the nations and to inspire them to praise, then there's no place for our hearts to be shaped by disdain, tribalism, or any sense of spiritual superiority. We are to be a people who hope outward, a people who long to see the mercy we have received become a song of praise by the nations.

As you pray for God's blessing, how often do you seek the good of others and spread of His glory among the nations? How can embracing the truth of God's desire impact your life every day?

Father, we continue to ask for your blessing and favor so your name would be made known throughout the earth. Create in me a heart that longs for the joy of the nations and praise from all people. Help me to extend the same mercy to others that I've received from you. Give me courage to join your mission of reclaiming the world through Christ. Amen.