READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Psalm 67 is focused on the blessing from God, and it is mentioned three times in seven short verses. There is a strong biblical basis for seeking God’s blessing. We need to understand the purpose of wanting to be blessed by God and the three key reasons are:
1. That His Ways May Be Known (v1-2)
Israel had made big claims about God; hence the pagan nations were watching to see how much substance there was. It is valid for the people of God to seek God’s blessings so that the people may know the ways of the Lord. That’s why they prayed: “God be gracious to us and bless us!” They can prove to the other nations that God is truly with them when He smiles on them. When God’s people are blessed, then the pagan nations will know that we have a living God. When we are generous to the lost, the least and the last, they will see the blessings of God through us. Genesis 12:1-3 and 28:14 are God’s promises of His blessings on His people. In all that we do, it must contribute to us loving Jesus more and fulfilling the Great Commission. World missions must be the agenda of any local church.
2. That Our God May Be Praised (v3-5)
More people will bring praise to God when His ways and salvation are known. When God’s rule can be experienced tangibly in the midst of His people, the peoples of the earth will praise the Lord. Peoples can be translated as nations so that every nation will bless the Lord and in the end they can be represented before the throne of God giving praise to Jesus. Revelation 5:9 is the end goal where people will be saved and they will become worshippers of God. John Piper shared: “Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate not man.” The connection between worship and missions is the more we praise our God, the more the land will yield its harvest. Romans 15:16 tells us that the greatest gift we can bring in our worship to God is when we bring to God a harvest of the nations. Revelation 7:9 revealed to John that God’s tasks will be finished. Everyone will receive the gospel.
3. That The Harvest May Be Birthed (v6-7)
We can move forward with great confidence when God is made known and praised amongst His people, His blessings will descend. The harvest will ripen and the land will yield its crops. The harvest is evidence of God’s faithfulness. God will be faithful when we sow in the community. This is in line with God’s desire and purpose. Genesis 8:22 tells us four things that will never cease:
(i) Seedtime & Harvest
(ii) Cold & Heat
(iii) Summer & Winter
(iv) Day & Night
(ii), (iii) and (iv) will happen without any cause and effect. (i) will require seedtime for harvest to happen. We must keep on sowing. Seedtime will lead to Harvest!
Starting from where we are, we can all be missionary disciples for Christ. God calls us to be brave, not safe.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How has the Lord spoken to you through this message?
- Share with your group how the Lord has blessed you and your family over the years?
- In what ways have you sought to be a blessing to others in your family, Church, workplace and social circles?
- What is one thing you would do as a result of this message?
