Connect Psalm 67:4 with Matthew 28:19-20 on making disciples of all nations. Setting the Scene • Psalm 67 looks forward; Matthew 28 sends us forward. • Both texts assume God’s unchanging desire to bless the entire world through His people (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6). Psalm 67:4 — Joy for the Nations “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations on the earth. Selah.” • Nations: every ethnic group, tribe, and language. • Gladness arises when people experience God’s just rule and faithful guidance. • The psalmist is pleading for global worship, not mere individual blessing. Matthew 28:19-20 — Disciples for the Nations “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Imperative: “make disciples,” not just converts. • Scope: “all nations”—the same horizon Psalm 67 anticipated. • Process: go, baptize, teach. • Promise: Christ’s abiding presence empowers obedience. Connecting the Two Texts • Psalm 67:4 provides the emotional goal—nations filled with glad worship. • Matthew 28:19-20 provides the practical pathway—intentional disciple-making. • God’s mission moves from prophetic desire (Psalm) to authoritative command (Gospel). • When we disciple the nations, Psalm 67’s vision is fulfilled; when nations rejoice, Matthew 28’s labor proves fruitful. What This Means for Us Today • Global worship is not optional; it is the endpoint of history (Revelation 7:9-10). • Evangelism and discipleship are two sides of the same coin—birth and growth. • Justice and guidance in Psalm 67 find concrete expression as disciples learn to obey everything Jesus commanded. • The presence of Christ promised in Matthew ensures the joy promised in the Psalm will be realized. Practical Steps to Live It Out 1. Pray Psalm 67 over specific people groups, asking God to give them gladness in Christ. 2. Engage locally: befriend internationals, offer language help, share the gospel. 3. Support globally: give, send, or go with faithful missionary efforts (Romans 10:14-15). 4. Disciple intentionally: meet regularly with newer believers, teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands (2 Timothy 2:2). 5. Model joyful worship: our own gladness authenticates the message we carry (Philippians 4:4). Summary Psalm 67:4 dreams of singing nations; Matthew 28:19-20 directs us to make those nations sing. The joy of the world and the obedience of the church converge in the Great Commission—a task undertaken with Christ’s unfailing presence until every tribe joins the song. |
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