For all nations

In the full assembly I will praise you for what you have done;
in the presence of those who worship you
   I will offer the sacrifices I promised.
The poor will eat as much as they want;
   those who come to the LORD will praise him.
May they prosper for ever! (verses 25,26)

Read Psalm 22:25-31

There is a recurring theme in the book of Psalms. It runs like this. The psalm writer is besieged and threatened by evil enemies; he prays to God for deliverance; God rescues the writer, who then worships and praises God.

We find that pattern in Psalm 22. Sometimes an extra element is added. The psalm writer sees his deliverance as so amazing that it even impresses the other nations around Israel. So in this psalm we hear: ‘All nations will remember the Lord . . . all races will worship him’ (verse 27).

We New Testament believers can see the final fulfilment of this pattern in the salvation won for all people in the death and resurrection of Jesus. That is the most amazing rescue of all time, because it involves all people who have ever lived. So you and I, whatever our racial background or national origin, can be sure that, through Jesus, we are now safe with God.

Lord Jesus, help me to praise you for what you have done for me, wherever I am. Amen.

by John Vitale, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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