READING: 1 Chronicles 13-16, John 19:1-27
The global heart of God is so obvious throughout the Bible that it’s almost hard to miss—though many Bible readers assume the Great Commission’s focus on the nations is only a New Testament teaching. Today’s Old Testament reading, however, reminds us otherwise. God empowered King David as a warrior so his fame spread throughout the peoples, and “the Lord caused all the nations to be terrified of him” (1 Chron 14:17). Other nations would not be wise to attack him; after all, David’s God was on his side.
David’s command to give thanks to the Lord in the 16th chapter then again echoes with God’s focus on the nations:
- “Give thanks to the Lord; call on his name; proclaim his deeds among the peoples.” (1 Chron 16:8)
- “He is the Lord our God; his judgments govern the whole earth.” (1 Chron 16:14)
- “Let the whole earth sing to the Lord. Proclaim his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples.” (1 Chron 16:23-24)
- “Ascribe to the Lord, families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” (1 Chron 16:28)
- “Let the whole earth tremble before him.” (1 Chron 16:30)
- “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’”(1 Chron 16:31)
May God’s name be magnified among the peoples of the world! Amen.
PRAYER: “Lord, magnify Yourself among the nations. Use us for that purpose.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pray for missionaries by name today.
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 17-19, John 19:28-20:18