Why World Missions? (Psalm 67)

Psalm 67 NKJV

To the Chief Musician. On Stringed Instruments. A Psalm. A Song. God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

The Prayer for Blessing (V1-3)

There are two attitudes common about blessings. We either ask for the wrong type of blessing, or boast sinfully in blessings. Or we are too afraid to ask for blessings at all. This psalm teaches us what it truly means to be blessed and what we are to do with God’s blessings.

It is easy to get caught up in the mindset when reading the Old Testament that God is only interested in Israel. In His chosen people. But the Psalmist does not pull this plea for blessings to all the nations out of thin air. It is rooted in God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3.

Genesis 12:2–3 NKJV

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

This was the plan from the beginning. God will bless Israel and through that blessing all nations, all people, will come to know God. Not just as the creator of all things, but as the righteous judge, and ultimately the savior to all mankind.

But the need for missions will always exist as long as there are people who do not worship God.

Missions exist because worship does not.

God is just and God is powerful (v4-5)

God is a God of Justice. This was a hang up for me when I was an atheist.

I wanted the world judged on my terms. But the problem is I am a poor judge and so are you.

But the Gospel is a testament to God’s perfect judgment. All people can receive salvation through Jesus Christ. No matter what you’ve done, where you came from, what financial status, no matter what race, we are all at equal footing at the cross. That’s what the Psalmist is rejoicing in. Israel and the Gentiles will all face the same standard of justice.

Why send missionaries?

One of the first questions I had as a new Christian was what about the innocent people in the jungles of Africa who have never heard the Gospel. Surely God wouldn’t condemn them to hell!

Romans 1:18–21 NKJV

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

I love how David Platt answers this question.

The innocent man in Africa goes to heaven—the only problem is that he doesn’t exist. There are no innocent unreached people in the world. They are guilty before God and thus they need the gospel!

There are over 2 billion people in this world at this moment whose knowledge of God is only sufficient to damn them to hell forever. But there is hope!

You see God judges all the earth with equity. Every person will either be judged to hell or in Jesus.

God is gracious and His mission will be finished (v6-7)

Jesus promised to build HIS church. It's easy to think this only means our local church. But church Jesus is building is global. It's across all nations, beyond the nation of Israel, and certainly beyond the borders of America. It includes every tribe, nation, and tongue, and Jesus is faithful to fulfill His promise.

Matthew 24:14 NKJV

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

This statement is not conditioned on our present circumstances. It does not say unless there's a worldwide pandemic, unless there is financial turmoil, unless there is natural disaster, unless our country turns to socialism, unless you have poor health. The Gospel WILL BE preached and God will use the obedience of His people to accomplish the plan.

The task is not impossible. I heard one missionary recently point out there are approximately 78,000 Christians for every one unreached people group in the world.

Matthew 9:38 NKJV

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

You see we are blessed to be a blessing to the nations.

Do you ever wonder why you were born in the richest nation in the world? If you are in here right now and you make over $15,000 a year you are in the top 2% of income earners in the entire world. You see you don’t have to question why God has blessed you. Whether is financially, or with health, God always blesses us so that we can make Christ’s name known. This is what the Psalmist prays for and it is what we should pray for as well.

Conclusion

What does it mean to blessed?

To know God and to be counted as righteous in Him.

Why should we ask for God’s blessings?

So that the world can come to know Christ.

Why should the nations be glad?

Because all have sinned come short of the glory of God. No one is innocent but Christ came. He lived a perfect life, He never sinned. He died on the cross paying our sin debt. And that gift of salvation is available to all nations. And He is worthy. Of all glory, honor, and praise. And He will use His people to deliver this message to the entire world.