Blessed that all may know

Psalm 67 starts out much as the priestly blessing does in Numbers 6:24-26.

The psalmist writes,

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us. (Psalm 67:1)

What’s interesting to me is the reason for his request.

that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.  (2)

So many Christians pray, “Bless me Lord,” for purely selfish reasons.

But the psalmist prays, “Lord, show your grace to us.  Bless us.  Show your pleasure with us.  Because when people see your hand of grace upon us, they’ll see your goodness and desire a relationship with you too.  And not only will we know your salvation, but they will too.”

As he looks towards that day, he sings,

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.  (3-5)

And as he sees all the nations turning their hearts toward the Lord, he sees something else:  God’s blessing on all who fear him.

Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.  (6-7)

Lord, show me your grace in my life.  Lord, draw me close to yourself, and may your face shine upon me. 

And as you do, Lord, let others see you in me and be drawn to you as well.  Let your life shine through mine.  In Jesus’ name, amen.