Psalm 117
This is the shortest Psalm in the Bible. But small can be mighty!
This wasn’t just a call on Israel to praise the Lord, this was a call to Jews and Gentiles alike. “The Psalm was an intimation [an indication or hint] to Israel that the grace and mercy of their God were not to be confined to one nation, but would in happier days be extended to all the race of man.” —Spurgeon
God would call a people to Himself from every tribe and tongue, as confirmed by Paul in Romans 15:
Honour God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them. It is just as the Scriptures say, “I will tell the nations about you, and I will sing praises to your name.” Again the Scriptures say, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. All you nations, come and worship him.” Romans 15:7-11 | CEV
But this Psalm also makes me reflect on evangelism, how can the world praise Him who they do not know? Yet another call to spread the gospel.
Let us share the good news, start our day and end our day with praise to the Lord! --- All of you nations, come praise the Lord! Let everyone praise him. God's love for us is wonderful; his faithfulness never ends. Shout praises to the Lord! Psalm 117 | CEV
This wasn’t just a call on Israel to praise the Lord, this was a call to Jews and Gentiles alike. “The Psalm was an intimation [an indication or hint] to Israel that the grace and mercy of their God were not to be confined to one nation, but would in happier days be extended to all the race of man.” —Spurgeon
God would call a people to Himself from every tribe and tongue, as confirmed by Paul in Romans 15:
Honour God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them. It is just as the Scriptures say, “I will tell the nations about you, and I will sing praises to your name.” Again the Scriptures say, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. All you nations, come and worship him.” Romans 15:7-11 | CEV
But this Psalm also makes me reflect on evangelism, how can the world praise Him who they do not know? Yet another call to spread the gospel.
Let us share the good news, start our day and end our day with praise to the Lord! --- All of you nations, come praise the Lord! Let everyone praise him. God's love for us is wonderful; his faithfulness never ends. Shout praises to the Lord! Psalm 117 | CEV