24 Days to Reflect on God's Heart for RedemptionSample

Collaborative redemption: "Making the nations glad"

There is no doubt in mind mind that the question that will define the 21st century is centered on the global conversation rooted in the global question: What is the best way to live life on the planet? I’m biased in my perspective on the answer.

I adhere to the teachings of Jesus, who taught his followers they should “do unto others as they would have them do unto you.” This is the Jesus way, the J-shaped worldview, the Judeo-Christian worldview.

Everywhere I travel across the planet, it’s plain to see that the closer things come under the influence of the teachings of Jesus, the better they become. Hope tends to spring up in those places.

The converse is also true. The farther away things get from the influence of the teachings of Jesus, the worse they tend to become.

Everywhere I observe progress and hope emerge, I find that the footprints, the fingerprints, and the fragrance of the presence of Jesus are not far. Robert Cooke Buckner, the founder of Buckner International, was a J-shaped leader. He did J-shaped projects and shone hope into the lives of hurting people.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 67:4-5, “May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May all the nations praise you, O God, may all the peoples praise you.”

What could the Psalmist have meant?

The verses preceding this aspiration constitute a prayer requesting God’s graciousness, his blessing, and his favor in order that his ways may be known on earth and his salvation be known among all the nations.

The pattern of Psalm 67 appears to be a prayer for graciousness, blessing, and favor so that the nations observing God’s people will respond in praise of God; in gladness and songs of joy; and the gift of God’s justice and guidance of nations and people. This prayer is followed by an expectation that the land will yield its harvest; followed by more of God’s blessing; and an expectation that all the people of the ends of the earth will fear him.

We have a role in participating in God’s redemptive work in history. We might be able to see a glimpse of this Kingdom reality on Earth, as it is in heaven, if we learn how to work together, to choreograph our actions guided by the Holy Spirit, so that the nations might be glad.

Reflection questions:

• In Psalm 67:4-5, the Psalmist David suggests that the nations become glad because the Lord rules justly. What part do we have in living out justice in the lives of the least of these around us?
• How does the Lord guide the nations of the earth?
• When nations experience justice and guidance from the Lord, how does that lead to gladness?
• What are some ways your church, small group, or church network might collaborate to make a difference in the world among vulnerable children and orphans?