Psalm 117
Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
God chose Israel to be His holy, set-apart nation to make Him known among the nations. I found this note from GotQuestions.org that was very helpful:
God’s desire for Israel was that they would go and teach others about Him. Israel was to be a nation of priests, prophets, and missionaries to the world. God’s intent was for Israel to be a distinct people, a nation who pointed others towards God and His promised provision of a Redeemer, Messiah, and Savior. For the most part, Israel failed in this task. However, God’s ultimate purpose for Israel—that of bringing the Messiah into the world—was fulfilled perfectly in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Excerpt from “Why did God choose Israel to be His Chosen People?”
This short psalm looks ahead to a time when all that nations and peoples of the world – Jew and Gentile – will praise and extol the LORD because of his steadfast love and faithfulness.
God’s choosing of Israel wasn’t about them. It was about Him.
God’s choosing of us isn’t about us. It is about Him.
His purpose for us who are in Christ isn’t just about saving us from hell or making us better people. His purpose in all things is His glory. Just as Israel’s role was to make the glory of the LORD known to the nations around them, our role as Christians is to do the same by living in such a way that reflects the great grace and mercy we have been given through Christ. We are to speak boldly and unashamedly about the gospel of Christ and live in such a way that is worthy of it. Our lives should be a reflection of our Savior. Though we will not be perfect in our obedience, we strive for that holiness out of love for the One who saved us.
Sola Deo Gloria.
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