How can Psalm 68:31 encourage us to support missionary work in Africa? Psalm 68:31—God’s Vision for Africa “Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God.” Why This Verse Sparks Mission Passion Today • The Holy Spirit inspired a literal prophecy: African peoples (“Cush”) will reach out to the Lord. • If God declares that Africa will worship Him, then partnering in missions there is cooperating with His revealed plan. • The picture of hands stretched upward suggests hunger for truth already stirring on the continent—mission service becomes a joyous response to readiness God Himself created. Biblical Portrait of Africa’s Place in God’s Plan • Isaiah 18:7—“At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD … from a people tall and smooth-skinned.” God again foretells African worship. • Zephaniah 3:10—“From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers … will bring Me an offering.” Consistent affirmation that Africans will join the redeemed chorus. • Acts 8:27-39—The Ethiopian court official is baptized, a first-fruits fulfillment of Psalm 68:31 in the early church era. • Acts 13:47—“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Africa is part of those “ends.” • Revelation 7:9—A great multitude “from every nation, tribe, people, and language” before the throne includes Africa, sealing the certainty of the outcome. Practical Ways to Respond • Pray informed prayers for specific African nations, workers, and unreached people groups. • Give financially, trusting that resources placed in God’s hands advance a prophecy He has guaranteed. • Encourage and send short-term and long-term missionaries; see them as “envoys” Psalm 68 already anticipates. • Partner with biblically faithful African churches and seminaries, strengthening discipleship so new believers can, in turn, be senders. • Share Africa-focused mission reports in worship services, reminding the congregation that we are witnessing Scripture come alive. Encouragement for the Sending Church • Psalm 68:31 assures us our labor is not speculation—God has spoken, so success is certain in His timing. • Involvement aligns us with God’s heart, deepening our own worship while extending it to others. • When we witness Africans “stretch out their hands to God,” our faith is fortified, proving again that every promise of Scripture stands firm. |
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