The song of praise that rose up to God on the day the Ark returned to Jerusalem is largely a medley of various Psalms and, as we read it, we see many familiar phrases from that collection of songs.

One striking feature of the song is the emphasis not only on Israel on this great day of national rejoicing, but also on the nations around. The song opens with an encouragement to “make known among the nations what he has done,” and later, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.”

The ultimate aim of this declaration of the goodness of God to the nations is so that all the “families of nations” would also turn to God in worship and declare, “The Lord reigns”.

We don’t tend to see examples of what we would call evangelism activity in the Old Testament. We might easily be led to believe that God had little interest in nations other than Israel but, if we look at this song, and many of the Psalms, it is clear that God has always intended for all people to know him and acknowledge him as Lord.

Through his mighty deeds among his covenant people, the Lord was making himself known to all who were willing to see. His people were to be a light and a blessing to the nations, and all people on the earth would be blessed through them (Gen 12:3).

As Christians, we have a similar call to be a people belonging to God, declaring his praises (1 Peter 2:9) and sharing the gospel. Today, it is as vital as ever that God is made known among all people so let us gladly accept Jesus’ mission to “go and make disciples in all nations.”

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NEWBOLD BAPTIST CHURCH