Sheri VSL 0:07
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s daily dose of the Word of God. This is Sheri Van Spronsen Leppink, Director of Communications at Elmhurst CRC. It’s Thursday, May 18th, and this week, we’re journeying with Jesus from the tomb and preparing for Missions Sunday.
Sheri VSL 0:28
Today’s reading is from Psalm 67, and we’ll linger on verses 1 & 2.
"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."
Sheri VSL 0:40
The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 thought-provoking prayers, songs of joy and lament, wise teachings, and poetry, Psalm 67 is a wonderful little psalm that is sometimes overlooked or forgotten when people think of their favorite psalms but holds great significance. Psalm 67 begins with a prayer for a blessing that may sound familiar to you, as it resonates with the words from familiar benediction found in Numbers 6:24-26, often used to bless congregations at the end of worship services. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ This blessing encompasses three elements. God’s mercy. God’s blessing. The approval as reflected in God’s shining face.
Sheri VSL 1:34
In echoing the benediction from Numbers, the psalmist expands the scope of the blessing – suggesting that God’s blessing will not stop with the people themselves. Rather God’s “saving power” will be experienced “among the nations.” And so the psalmist has morphed the original benediction to make it mission-minded. And Israel’s blessing becomes a blessing to the peoples revealing God’s greatness to the nations and inspiring praise among God’s people (verse 3). As we journey with Jesus from the tomb this Easter season, and celebrate Christ’s Ascension next week, Psalm 67 is a timely reminder that the resurrection of Jesus calls us to mission. Jesus instructed his disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:47). Embracing and living out this Psalm 67 blessing means generously sharing the message of salvation and our other blessings from God—with other people and other nations alike. And it moves us to ask — How can we bring “God’s shining face” to a world that so desperately needs it?
Sheri VSL 2:49
Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for your blessing – for shining your face up on us – help us to be the people that “make your ways” known among the world. Empower us to share your blessings with “all nations.” and to reflect your shining face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.