God has a global objective on the earth. Sometimes we can be blind to that, due to our narrow focus on what is happening around us. For instance, I have often heard people talk about what they think the spiritual tide might be today, either in decline of the church or in revival, based solely on what is happening in America or in their own country. While at the same time the very opposite might be happening on the other side of the globe, possibly impacting far more people than what they are focused on.
Let me share two scriptures to remind you of God’s global focus.
God made a wonderful promise to Abram when He called him. The promise was that through Abram (who was renamed Abraham) all the families of the earth would be blessed. The word ‘families’ is also translated as ‘nations’ since all the nations sprang from the family lines of Noah’s sons.
“I will bless those who bless you and curse him who curses you: and in you will all families (or nations) of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3
Apostle Paul referred to that promise, explaining that the blessing God spoke of was the release of the Holy Spirit to all who put their faith in Christ.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree’. In order that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13
So God’s salvation plan is not for His chosen people only, but for all the families of the earth. That’s why the good news about Jesus is to be preached in all the earth.
For those who hear God’s heart for the nations there is another Bible verse that is very encouraging. It comes from Psalm 2 where God speaks of Jesus as God’s begotten Son.
“The Lord said to me, You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and you will possess the ends of the earth. You will break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a clay pot.” Psalm 2:7-9
Here we see that Christ will be given all the nations of the earth as His inheritance. He will rule over them, as is described in other places, such as in Revelation 20:4-6.
Note too that the Book of Hebrews refers to the Psalm 2 picture of Christ as God’s Son, confirming this is talking about Jesus.
“Christ did not take for Himself the glory of being a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: You are My Son; today I have begotten you.” Hebrews 5:5
What makes the promise in Psalm 2 of great import to Christians is that we walk in Christ’s ministry and power. The things promised to Christ are accessible by us as we minister in His name for His kingdom purposes. We are Christ’s ambassadors, operating in His authority.
“Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God was making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.” 2Corinthians 5:20
“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so the Father will be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13
So, let’s look at the promise of nations given to Christ in Psalm 2.
“Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and you will possess the ends of the earth. You will break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a clay pot.” Psalm 2:7-9
Firstly note that there is to be prayer – asking God for the nations. Do you have a heart for the nations? Then ask God for them, or for specific nations in particular.
I have heard of people who felt impressed to pray for nations they had not previously taken any interest in and either found themselves able to go there, or found people from that nation coming into their circle.
God has a heart for nations and intends for them all to be blessed – and every family in each nation. So it is only reasonable that, as God’s children, yielded to Him, you will find a calling in your heart for the nations or for some place among the nations where God wants you to take interest. You may be called to pray for that nation, or the people of the nation, or to go there, or to support those who can go there. Or maybe it’s to touch people from that nation who God brings across your path.
For some there will be a dispensation of authority to challenge evil in the nations.
“You will break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a clay pot.” Psalm 2:9
Through history God has raised men and women with divine authority to speak into nations and challenge wrong behaviour to some degree or other. This doesn’t mean we can be arrogant and cause trouble, but it means we can seek God about being given divine authority and influence, even in foreign lands, so that evil practices are checked – such as corruption, immorality, abuse, exploitation, theft and so on.
So as you wait on the Lord and seek Him, let me remind you of God’s instruction, given to Christ, and so available to us, ‘Ask Me For the Nations’.
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