Joy To The World - Psalm 67 (or God's Ultimate Purpose)

There are few hymns in the Psalms that can match this song for joy - it foresees, and fore-sings, the happy outcome of God's wonderful saving plan.

Context

Employed in temple worship, this anthem to their Head reminds Jews of their role - God, the King of Creation, chose Abraham's family of faith to illuminate the world.

Mission - Verses 1-2

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that you way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.

His priestly blessing is sought though they know it is not earned - when God lights up His Church then the nations learn good news. What is the result?

Dominion - Verse 4

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.

The peoples turn to God - now His just, right, rule holds sway: glad anthems now break out as all nations walk His path. What is the goal?

Redemption - Verses 6-7

The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear Him!

Earth again is Eden - not tears, nor sweat, just fruit: what God promised the Patriarchs is realized in the cosmos, as ends of earth yield produce.

Christians - Verse 3

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Did Israel fail his task? Jesus leads as Light! God's reign goes viral as sinners bow to Christ. Planet earth unites as saints in paradise, sooner or later, confess God is just.

Application - Verse 5

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Jesus shines in us to spread good news abroad. In this world, by life and lip, let's declare Him Lord. He bore our curse so that, through us, all earth might be blessed.