Psalm 67 - Firstborn

Psalm 67:1-2, 4, 6-7 NIV

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—

 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,

 for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. 

The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. 

May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Chosen nation status is not what you think. Some think that God choosing Israel over all other nations is like parents playing favorites with their kids. It doesn't seem fair.

Do you recognize that the firstborn get many privileges that younger siblings do not? Firstborn have their parents all to themselves for a year or more. They develop quickly and mature sooner than the younger children, generally speaking. It is because their earliest development was totally consumed by mom and dad. The younger did not get this. They are loved, but time is split with other siblings and other duties around a growing family.

But with the privilege of being first comes the responsibility of being first. The firstborn inevitably helps to care for the younger siblings by feeding, teaching, playing with them, and even cleaning their diapers.

Israel is God's firstborn among the peoples of the world. Abraham was the first to trust in the name of the one true God, Yahweh. Abraham was obedient to God and fully trusted in God's promises. Therefore God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Take a look at God's covenant with Abraham.

Genesis 12:2-3 NIV

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

God chose Israel because Abraham, the father of that nation, was first to love God. And God chose Israel as a means to bless all peoples on earth with the knowledge of God.

As Israel continues in obedience to God, they receive blessing. They prosper and live in peace. They are joyful and healthy. The blessed community of Israel is meant to be a light and an inviting sign to the rest of us. By noticing the blessed state of the people of God, we should be drawn to serving God as well.

Psalm 67 celebrates the special relationship Israel has with God. They pray for the Lord's continued blessings so that all the world might join in praising God.

Have you considered your faith a privilege and a responsibility? As Christians you are blessed with the knowledge of God through Jesus Christ. You have received eternal life through Him.

John 17:3 NIV

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

How is your life and the example of your congregation a sign to others, inviting them to the light of Christ?