May 19, 2025 - Psalms‬ ‭87‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬-‭6‬

“On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you! I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem! Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Psalms 87:1, 3-6 NLT

Lord, as I read these verses it brings such hope. We see here, even in the Old Testament, your heart for the nations, not just Israel. You established Israel as your chosen people because you wanted them to be your lighthouse that would shine your light to the rest of the world. You long to see the nations, all the nations come to know you. You want every person to have the opportunity to become a citizen of your “city”. In this verse, we see you inviting the nations to come and make their home among your people and become one of your people.

Lord, your heart for the nations and all peoples hasn’t changed. You long for everyone to be invited to become a part of your family. We are now your commissioned “lighthouses” to a dark world in desperate need of light. Teach us how to shine your light brightly. Show us how to be a part of bringing the nations to you. We don’t want to enter heaven alone, but we want to bring everyone possible along with us. We don’t want anyone left behind that we could have brought along.

In Jesus name, amen.