The Joy And Justice Of The Nations – Wheaton

            Why should we care about mission? We have enough problems each day; why should we be moved by events on the other side of the world or outside our own community when we struggle to deal with our own problems? Psalm 67 spells out why we should care about mission—Grace propels us toward the joy and justice of the nations, sustained by God’s blessing.

            Grace propels us (Psalm 67:1–2). Missions does not begin with our good will and abundant resources for others; missions begins from God’s grace. “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us” (Ps 67:1). As we realize our helplessness, our sin, and our need, we encounter his grace, blessing, and presence. And the overflow of our encounter with grace is that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” Mission is propelled by grace.

            Grace propels us toward the joy and justice of the nations (Psalm 67:3–5). The overflow of grace is not simply for us and our loved ones; the thrust of grace flows outward to all the peoples and nations. “Let the nation be glad and sing for joy” (67:4); joy abounds because God’s ways and character is made known. Yet joy is tied to God’s justice, “for you judge the peoples with equity and guid the nations upon earth” (Ps 67:4). That is why the prayer clearly declares, “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!”

            Grace propels us toward the joy and justice of the nations, sustained by God’s blessing (Psalm 67:6–7). Notice how this passage begins and ends with God’s blessing. Indeed, “God our God shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!” (67:6–7). Missions is not only propelled by God’s grace but sustained by His blessing.

So what?  Our weakness is not an obstacle but the opportunity for God’s mission to abound. Grace propels us toward the joy and justice of the nations, sustained by God’s blessing. May we know His grace and blessing today, that we might be propelled toward the nations.