READING: 1 Chronicles 16-18, John 7:28-53
“Proclaim His deeds among the peoples.”
1 Chronicles 16:8
I read today’s text, and I am reminded again that the God of the Bible is the God of the nations. He worked through His people so they might be a light to the nations, a witness of His power and glory to the world. The people of the nations worship only idols, but the Lord God of Israel is the One who made the heavens (1 Chron. 16:26). He alone is God before whom the peoples of the earth should shudder in awe. Even in judging His own people – and ultimately bringing them back from the nations after exile — He would make a name for Himself.
Read these texts, and let God’s rule over the nations sink in:
- “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)
- “Sing to the Lord, all the earth.” (1 Chron. 16:23)
- “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all peoples.” (1 Chron. 16:24)
- “Ascribe to the Lord, families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” (1 Chron. 16:28)
- “Tremble before Him, all the earth.” (1 Chron. 16:30)
- “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord is King!’” (1 Chron. 16:31)
Here’s where these texts intersect with our lives: wherever God places us, our job is to announce His majesty. If you work in an office with international colleagues, you are to tell them about Jesus. Your job is the same, too, if you’re a student on a college campus filled with internationals, a retiree with neighbors from around the world, a North American living and working in another country, or a missionary compelled under a calling to go to the nations. All of us are to sing His praises, proclaim His works, and declare His glory to all the peoples of the world. Our responsibility is to echo loudly the words, “The Lord is King!”
The world needs to hear that refrain.
ACTION STEPS:
- Ask God to open your eyes to the nations today. Look around. Listen. The peoples of the world are likely around you.
- Get to know someone from around the world. Ask questions, and learn about his or her faith. Ask God to open a door for you to speak about Jesus.
PRAYER: “Lord, give me Your eyes and heart today. Let me love the nations around me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 19-21, John 8:1-27