Psalm 67
When we read this psalm, we understand that this is truly a “missionary psalm.” It is a psalm written in anticipation of the universal spread of the knowledge of God. It powerfully reminds us that we are blessed or have our blessings in order to evangelize the world and to cause others to see the light as we have seen it – that they might be blessed as we have been blessed and that they may praise Him as we praise Him. The blessings are never selfish. They are never for us alone. May the Almighty ever help us never to lose sight of the fact that in our blessings, we ought to remain “missionary” and irrevocably “evangelistic.” We are indeed blessed to bless others as this psalm vigorously instructs.
Therefore, as much as this psalm relates to the church, it also relates to the world, or it can also be viewed as the church in relation to the world. It effectively conveys the message to us that this is not just for us. We want His knowledge to be spread to the ends of the earth. It is a prayer for the prosperity of the church or spiritual Israel. It is also very much a prayer for the conversion of the Gentiles. It speaks about the prospect of happy and glorious times, when God shall do this, causing Jew and Gentile to be united together in one flock, and together we shall gloriously praise Him.
In verse one, the Psalmist implores the blessings of God upon the church, but in verse two, he declares … “That His way may be known upon earth, and thy saving health among all nations.” They are waiting on us, Church! Not only is He, the Supreme One, depending on us, but the Scriptures also speak about the creation waiting in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed (Romans 8:10). Can we please get it together, especially in these apocalyptic times, for the salvation of lost humanity all around us? They can only know Him through us and God being merciful unto us and blessing us and causing His face to shine upon us (Psalm 67:1). So much depends on us!
It must be noted that an appropriate title for this psalm is “Thy Kingdom Come” and how we need to pray this daily. In fact, this psalm has been called by the ancient expositors “The Lord’s prayer of the Old Testament.” It has, like that of the New, seven divisions. The first three verses and the last three verses are linked together by a long one in the middle with the third and fifth verses having the same words “Let all the people praise thee, O God: let all the people praise thee” (vv 3,5). Here the importance of our praise is strikingly highlighted.
Sometimes, we just need to go back to this psalm and read it prayerfully and follow its instructions. I earnestly pray today, along with all the saints in the Northeast Region and beyond – O God, Thy Kingdom Come! May His Kingdom come and supersede and transcend all evil man-made Kingdoms, systems, and institutions. How we indeed long for a supernatural invasion of this power, a manifestation of His glory – His divine, benevolent rulership over all the affairs of humankind in the church and out! We unceasingly pray for His Kingdom to be enlarged and extended over all the earth. The Psalmist with great certainty prophetically declares in the concluding verse of Psalm 67 – “God shall bless us – and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him” (v.7). With greater intensity we pray, “Thy Kingdom Come!”
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
