“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations” (Psalm 67:1–2 ESV).
The psalmist prayed on behalf of God’s covenant people for God to be gracious to them, bless them, and make His face shine upon them. His words deliberately echoed the priestly blessing of Aaron (Num. 6:24–26). For God’s face to “shine” upon His people pictured His favorable presence and gracious attention toward them. It meant living under the light of His favor. But the psalmist did not ask for blessing merely for Israel’s comfort and prosperity. He immediately revealed its greater purpose: “that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.”
This reflected the purpose God had announced when He called Abraham. God promised, “I will bless you… so that you will be a blessing,” adding that through him “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:2–3). God’s blessing of Israel was never intended to benefit only Israel. He blessed His people so that His salvation might become known among all peoples.
There is a beautiful progression in these verses: God’s grace comes to us, God’s face shines upon us, so that God’s salvation might become known through us.
This purpose ultimately pointed to Christ. Simeon called Jesus God’s “salvation” and “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:30–32). Through Christ, the blessing promised to Abraham began flowing to the nations.
We should never think of God’s blessings as possessions to hoard. Whether He has given us spiritual gifts, financial resources, influence, or opportunities, we can ask, “How can we share this blessing with others to make Christ known?”
Jesus told His followers, “you will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8), and commanded us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). God does not merely bless us for our enjoyment. He blesses us for His mission.
May we receive His blessings with gratitude, then turn outward with generosity and gospel purpose. We are blessed for mission.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for being gracious to us and for causing Your face to shine upon us through Christ. Help us not to keep Your blessings to ourselves. Use our lives, gifts, resources, and witness so that Your salvation may be known among all nations. In Jesus’ name, amen.