October 18

The Praise of All Peoples 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 117:1-2 | Jeremiah 31:27-32:44 | 1Timothy 3:1-16 | Proverbs 25:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 117:1-2

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him all you peoples. For great is his love toward us and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever” (Psalm 117:1-2 NIV).

Why is missions  important? It is important because God loves the world–all the nations, all the peoples. He longs for each nation and each people group to hear the message of good news. He rejoices as each person comes to know and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

All the cultures of the world with their own languages, music, arts and craftsmanship have a unique beauty. Each in a unique way shows us a glimpse of what it means to be created in God’s image. All the races, languages and cultures reflect the wisdom and glory of their creator. He finds beauty in each one and looks to the day when people from all nations will gather around his throne in heaven and all that beauty will come together to create a glorious symphony of praise:

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9).

God loves the nations; he loves all peoples. He shows his faithfulness to all peoples. That is the primary reason why prejudice has no place in his Kingdom or in his Church. It is also the driving force of evangelism and missions–the reason we must pray, give and go.

Father, thank you for the diversity of the body of Christ. Thank you for the New Creation which breaks down barriers, eliminates prejudice and brings deep unity amidst diversity. Break down barriers and walls until we all reach unity and fill our hearts with your love. Amen.