Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.
—Psalms 117

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A Global Call to Praise
By Jennifer Kane

A call rings out to the world—
A global call to praise the Lord God,
Praise be to the LORD for His mercy and truth.

So praise the LORD, all nations,
praise Him, all peoples.
For His merciful kindness reaches toward us,
and His truth endures forever.
Praise the LORD.

I see Christ revealed in these words:
A promise that all peoples,
from every nation and every island,
shall come to know Him—
the King of His everlasting kingdom,
the Savior in His church.

In His kingdom flows mercy and grace,
forgiveness of sins,
eternal life,
and everlasting hope.
Through His word, these truths are preached:
Victory over sin,
over death,
over the devil’s power,
and over all evil.

So let all creation lift its voice!
Praise God far into eternity,
praise Him—
the Almighty One.

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Scriptures: Psalms 117:1-2

Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible, but its message carries eternal weight. In just two verses, this psalm encapsulates the essence of worship, the scope of God’s kingdom, and the enduring qualities of His character.

The psalm begins with a universal invitation: “Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!”

This call extends beyond Israel to include all nations. In doing so, it reveals the expansive heart of God—a heart that longs for every tribe, tongue, and nation to experience His grace. While Israel was chosen as a light to the nations, this psalm reminds us that God’s plan was always global. As believers, we are invited to reflect that same openness, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all people.

Paul echoes this psalm in Romans 15:11, emphasizing that the Gospel’s reach includes Jews and Gentiles alike. Jesus Himself sang this psalm at the Passover, knowing His sacrifice would unite all who believe under one covenant of grace (Matthew 26:30). How can I share the invitation to praise God with someone who may not know Him yet?

The psalmist provides two compelling reasons to praise God: His merciful kindness and His enduring truth. The Hebrew word ‘hesed’ signifies loyal love, steadfast mercy, and covenant faithfulness. It is a love that prevails over sin and adversity—a love that “abounds much more” than our failures (Romans 5:20).

God’s truth is unchanging and eternal. In a world where promises are often broken, His faithfulness remains a firm foundation. His truth assures me that His mercies will never fade and His promises will never fail.

Together, these qualities—mercy and truth—point us to Jesus, who embodies grace and truth (John 1:17). Through Christ, I can see the ultimate expression of God’s love and faithfulness. How have I experienced God’s mercy and truth in my life this week?

Psalm 117 concludes with a simple yet profound declaration: “Praise the LORD!” This call echoes the universal worship that will one day resound in heaven, as described in Revelation 7:9-10. People from every nation, tribe, and language will stand together, united in worship.

As I praise God today, I join a global and eternal chorus. My worship is not isolated but part of a larger story—a story of redemption, love, and hope that spans the entire world. How can I make my worship today a reflection of the global and eternal praise that God deserves?

Today let Psalm 117 inspire your prayers and actions. Pray for the Nations. Choose a country or people group to pray for, asking God to reveal His mercy and truth to them. Share the Gospel. Look for an opportunity to share God’s love with someone in your community. Praise Intentionally. Spend time in worship, reflecting on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Finally, let your heart echo the psalmist’s cry: Hallelujah! Praise the LORD!

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great mercy and enduring truth. Teach me to praise You with all my heart and to share Your love with others. May my worship join the voices of people from every nation, glorifying You now and forever. In the name of Jesus Christ, hallelujah and amen.

November 18 2024