Day 18: Showing forth His praises

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together… Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great choirs of thanksgiving… Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy. The wives also and the children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. (Neh. 12:27-28, 31, 43)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a people set apart to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light – you who in time past were not a people, but now are the people of God… who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Pet. 2:9-10)

The Church has been formed, among other reasons, to be the people who proclaim and show the greatness and the beauty of God to all the nations who haven’t yet seen His glory or heard of His fame.

Indeed, in all our worship, there is an element of missions. Having experienced the goodness of God ourselves, we can’t help thanking God, praising Him, and talking about Him before others. Our new Church sanctuary will be a place that will ring with the sounds of joyful worship: it will be heard afar off – a song that will be picked up and joined in by the nations!

Father, make us more than ever Your people of praise. May the nations see your glory in and through us as we rejoice in You!