Scripture Union Encounter With God 30th August 2020 Devotional – The King And His Kingdom
TODAY’S TOPIC: THE KING AND HIS KINGDOM
Opening Prayer: Lord, Your people praise You.
Read PSALM 67
Psalm 67[a] For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—[b] 2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
Encounter With God 30th August 2020 Devotional
6 The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
7 May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Footnotes
a Psalm 67:1 In Hebrew texts 67:1-7 is numbered 67:2-8.
b Psalm 67:1 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate: Encounter With God 30th August 2020 Devotional
“Crown him with many crowns, / the Lamb upon his throne; / Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns / all music but its own!” (Matthew Bridges, 1800–1894).
Think Further: This beautiful psalm expresses a deep desire for God’s rule and reign to be extended over all creation. The psalmist prays for God’s salvation to be known amongst all peoples, who will then join together to praise the one true God. There will be justice and abundant provision for all, together with reverent awe for God (“fear,” 7). This is what it means to live under God’s rich blessing (1). It is a wonderful, liberating vision filled with light, love and joy. We rejoice at God’s life-giving word.
The psalm is essentially a prayer for God’s kingdom to arrive here on earth, as it is in heaven. Jesus taught us to pray for this, and we know that the wonderful picture painted in Psalm 67 is fulfilled only through the coming of Jesus. He first came to inaugurate the kingdom, which is now growing all over the world.
What is more, he will come again to make all things new, perfectly establishing his rule. This is the “now and not yet” of the kingdom of God of which theologians speak. Let us respond by praying the psalm and by adding the words that Jesus taught us: “May your kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10, GNB).
Of course, God calls us to do more than pray. He himself is working right now in marvelous ways, both large and small. He calls us to join with him in what he is doing. Be aware of where he is at work among your family and friends, plus in your workplace or neighborhood. Be ready to engage as God gives you opportunities. May we know the joy of being part of the answer to our own prayers as we see the kingdom come more and more each day.
Apply: Pray through this psalm. After each verse add, “May your kingdom come… on earth, as in heaven.” How is God calling you to be an answer to your prayers?
Closing Prayer: Lord, we anticipate the day when all of Your enemies will be put under Your feet, and You will reign supreme over the entire earth.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Song of Solomon 1,2 / Psalms 99–101
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Encounter With God 29th August 2020
