How does Psalm 119:135 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Psalm 119:135 — The Seed Thought “Make Your face shine on Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.” Matthew 28:19-20 — The Mandate “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Shining Face: Divine Favor That Fuels Mission • In Psalm 119:135 the psalmist prays for God’s face to “shine.” This echoes Numbers 6:24-26, where the Aaronic blessing links God’s shining face with peace and blessing. • The Great Commission closes with Christ’s promise of continual presence: “I am with you always.” His abiding presence is the New-Covenant reality of God’s shining face. • 2 Corinthians 4:6 ties both ideas together: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The inward light equips believers to carry the gospel outward. Teach Me Your Statutes: Discipleship Starts Inside • Psalm 119 repeatedly links personal obedience with a desire for instruction. The psalmist first wants to be taught before he can live faithfully (cf. Psalm 119:12,33). • Matthew 28:20 commands believers to teach nations “to observe” everything Christ commanded. Effective discipling flows from having first been taught by God ourselves (John 14:26). • The psalmist’s posture—humble learner before God—mirrors the disciple’s posture—lifelong learner under Christ. From Being Taught to Teaching the Nations 1. Receive light: God’s shining face gives clarity, joy, and courage (Psalm 119:135; John 8:12). 2. Learn obedience: Internalize His statutes in everyday life (Psalm 119:11; James 1:22-25). 3. Reflect light: Share the same statutes with others, turning personal instruction into public proclamation (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15-16). 4. Rely on presence: Confidence for mission comes from the same favor requested in Psalm 119:135 and promised in Matthew 28:20. Practical Takeaways • Daily seek God’s face in Scripture; the warmth of His favor motivates outreach. • Let every new insight become an act of obedience; personal practice gives credibility to public teaching. • Approach evangelism as extending what God is already doing—His face shines through you to invite others. • Depend on Christ’s continual presence; the Commission is carried out not in isolation but under the radiance of His smile. Further Scripture Echoes • Numbers 6:24-26 — Blessing of the shining face. • Isaiah 60:1-3 — God’s light rises on His people so nations come. • Matthew 5:14-16 — Believers are the light of the world. • Acts 1:8 — Power from the Spirit for witness to the ends of the earth. |
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