Why did God save Israel? Why did he bless them and make
his face shine on them? It was so that his way may be known on earth, and his
saving power be revealed among all nations. Notice that we are not asking for
God’s almighty power to be known, as though God’s dominant power were the
primary issue here. The psalmist wants God’s saving power to be known.
This Psalm beautifully encapsulates the heart of our
readings through this week. Over and over again we are encouraged to share the
hope of God’s salvation.
Let this Psalm lead you to meditate on how God has been
gracious to us, blessed us, and made his face shine on us. Let it draw our
hearts and minds to God’s desire to be known for his saving power. As we think
on these things, let it guide us to pray for the peoples and the nations – all the
people who do not know our Lord Jesus and his salvation.
Why did God save us? Why did he bless us and show us his
Son’s face? It was so that his way may be known and his saving power revealed
in us. His goal is that we would be saved, and others would be saved too because
they learned about Jesus’ salvation through us.
How has God been gracious to you and blessed you? Does
seeing God’s work in your life as part of his plan to make himself known to
others help you to share your faith in Jesus? Why or why not?
Lord God, you are
gracious and you bless us. Truly your face shone upon us when Jesus made
himself known among us. Thank you for your salvation. Thank you for your mercy
and forgiveness. Make your way known on earth, reveal your saving power in
Jesus, who is the Way! Draw the peoples and the nations to praise you, to be
glad in your salvation, and to sing for joy at all you have done to redeem us.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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