READING: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16
The Whole Earth
1 Chronicles 16:14
I love David’s song of praise and thanksgiving in 1 Chronicles 16. Likely written at the return of the ark to Jerusalem, the song not only magnifies God from beginning to end, but it also shows God’s heart for the nations. It’s hard to read these verses without hearing His passion:
- “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. 16:14-15)
- “Ascribe to the Lord, families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” (1 Chron. 16:28)
- “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’” (1 Chron. 16:31)
The God of the Bible is the God of the nations, and He is worthy of our praise. Others worship gods who are only idols created by their own hands, but the God of the Bible “made the heavens” (1 Chron. 16:26). Indeed, we are to worship Him “in the splendor of his holiness” (1 Chron. 16:29) and “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good” (1 Chron. 16:34). I invite you to pray with me for the peoples of the world who do not know His name.
ACTION STEPS:
- Pray for a people group or nation that does not know the name of Christ.
- Pray for a missionary you know. If you don’t know a missionary, talk with your pastor.
PRAYER: “Father, give me your heart for the nations. Make me open to going to an unreached people group.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 15, 23, 24-25, 47
