How does Psalm 72:19 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Shared Vision: God's Glory Filling the Earth “Blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen.” “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.” These two passages share a single, sweeping purpose: God desires His glory to saturate the entire world, and He has chosen His people to bring it about. Psalm 72:19—A Kingly Prayer - Psalm 72 is Solomon’s prayer for the Davidic King, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Luke 1:32-33). - Verse 19 longs for the Messiah’s reign to spread glory “forever” and “all the earth,” pointing to a global rule (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14). - The psalm ties glory to blessing: as people come under the King’s righteous rule, His name is praised and His glory displayed. Matthew 28:19-20—The King’s Marching Orders - After defeating sin and death (Matthew 28:6), Jesus claims “all authority in heaven and on earth” (verse 18), echoing Psalm 72’s Royal authority. - The command “make disciples of all nations” reveals the means by which the whole earth will be filled with God’s glory. - Baptizing and teaching anchor new believers inside the life of the triune God, ensuring ongoing worship that magnifies His name. - The promise “I am with you always” guarantees success; the King Himself accompanies the mission His psalm foretold. How the Texts Interlock 1. Scope - Psalm: “all the earth.” - Commission: “all nations.” Both insist on nothing less than universal reach. 2. Center - Psalm praises the “glorious name” of God. - Commission immerses disciples “in the name” of Father, Son, Spirit. The spread of the Name is identical in goal and content. 3. Agent - Psalm anticipates a righteous King who brings justice and blessing. - Commission identifies that King as Jesus and appoints His followers as ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). 4. Outcome - Psalm envisions earth filled with glory. - Commission produces worshiping, obedient disciples (Romans 1:5) whose lives radiate that glory. Supporting Scriptures - Genesis 12:3—“In you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” The Great Commission extends Abraham’s promise. - Isaiah 49:6—Servant made “a light for the nations.” Fulfilled through gospel witness. - Revelation 7:9—A multitude from “every nation, tribe, people, and tongue” worshiping the Lamb, the final picture of Psalm 72:19 accomplished. Practical Takeaways for Us - Sharing the gospel is more than a task; it is participating in God’s age-long plan to fill the world with His glory. - Every disciple-making effort, local or global, answers Solomon’s ancient prayer. - Confidence rests not in our strength but in the King’s authority and presence. - Worship fuels mission: the more we bless His glorious name, the more compelled we are to invite the nations to join us. |
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