How does Psalm 98:2 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Psalm 98:2—God’s Salvation Publicly Displayed “The LORD has made His salvation known; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.” (Psalm 98:2) - “Made His salvation known” — God Himself initiates and broadcasts His rescue plan. - “Revealed His righteousness” — He demonstrates His just character through that salvation. - “In the sight of the nations” — the reach is unmistakably global. Matthew 28:19-20—The Commission to Make It Known “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.” (Matthew 28:19-20) - “All nations” echoes the scope of Psalm 98:2. - “Make disciples … baptizing … teaching” details the method by which salvation is to be announced. - “I am with you always” supplies the divine presence Psalm 98 celebrates. Thematic Connections Between the Two Passages - God’s Initiative - Psalm: the LORD has already “made” and “revealed.” - Matthew: the risen Christ commands action, implying the groundwork is finished (John 19:30). - Universal Audience - Psalm: “nations.” - Matthew: “all nations.” - Both passages insist the good news is never parochial. - Salvation & Righteousness - Psalm centers on God’s righteousness displayed through salvation. - Matthew’s call to baptism into the triune name immerses converts into that same righteousness (Romans 3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21). - Divine-Human Partnership - Psalm displays what God does. - Matthew enlists believers to proclaim what He has done (Acts 1:8). From Prophecy to Fulfillment - Psalm 98 looks forward: God’s saving act will be seen by all. - In Christ’s death and resurrection the act is accomplished; the Great Commission launches the fulfillment phase, spreading news of that accomplishment to every people group. Supporting Scripture Echoes - Isaiah 52:10: “The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all nations…” - Luke 24:46-47: “Repentance for forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations.” - Romans 1:16: “The gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” - Revelation 7:9: “A great multitude… from every nation… standing before the throne.” Practical Takeaways for Today - Confidence: God has already “made His salvation known”; sharing it is aligning with His revealed plan. - Urgency: Every disciple is summoned to participate until “the end of the age.” - Clarity: The message centers on God’s righteousness manifested in Christ, not personal achievement. - Joyful Worship: Just as Psalm 98 explodes in praise, mission work flows from and fuels worship. - Assurance: The same Lord who revealed salvation (Psalm 98) accompanies His witnesses (Matthew 28). |
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