How can believers today support global missions reflecting Psalm 72:10's message? Setting the Scene: Psalm 72:10 in Context “May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.” (Psalm 72:10) Solomon’s psalm looks ahead to the Messiah’s reign, picturing rulers from far-flung places laying treasures at His feet. That prophetic image invites every generation of believers to participate: we, too, can “bring tribute” so the praise of King Jesus reaches the “distant shores.” Recognizing the Messiah’s Global Kingship • Psalm 72 anticipates Christ’s worldwide dominion (vv. 8, 11). • Jesus confirmed this scope: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18-19). • The Holy Spirit empowers us for that task: “You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). Because Christ’s reign is universal, our missional vision must be global. Practical Ways to Bring Our Tribute Today 1. Pray strategically • Adopt unreached people groups and missionaries by name. • Pray Scripture over them—Colossians 4:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:1. 2. Give generously • “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Regular, proportionate giving fuels translation, church-planting, mercy ministries, and relief work. • Consider legacy giving (wills, trusts) so future generations keep hearing. 3. Go personally • Short-term trips can encourage long-term teams and open eyes to needs. • Seek God about vocational missions—teaching, medicine, business-as-mission, or pastoral training. 4. Send well • Churches “send” the way Antioch did Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3): with prayer, financial backing, and accountability. • Maintain regular communication—letters, video calls, care packages. 5. Equip and mobilize others • Host mission workshops, worldview classes, and language training. • Mentor younger believers toward cross-cultural service. 6. Champion indigenous leadership • Fund local Bible schools and translation projects. • Respect national pastors’ insight; avoid creating unhealthy dependence. 7. Leverage everyday platforms • Use remote work to relocate into strategic regions. • Share the gospel with international students and immigrants at home—global missions at your doorstep. Stewarding Resources Faithfully • Philippians 4:15-18 shows a church repeatedly supplying Paul’s needs; their gifts became “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice.” • View money, skills, and time as “tribute” laid before King Jesus—no gift is wasted when surrendered to His purposes. Encouragement from Scripture • Romans 10:14-15 reminds us why we give and go: people cannot believe unless they hear, and they cannot hear without messengers. • Revelation 7:9 offers a glimpse of the outcome—“a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue,” worshiping the Lamb. As we pray, give, go, and send, we fulfill Psalm 72:10’s vision: the wealth of the nations—resources, cultures, people themselves—brought joyfully to the rightful King. |
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