Blessed to Be a Blessing: The Witness of God’s People

 

Blessed to Be a Blessing: The Witness of God’s People

Text: Psalm 67; Revelation 14:6–12

Psalm 67 is a hymn of praise, radiant with hope and overflowing with the desire that "Your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations" (Psalm 67:2). It is a missionary psalm, and more than that, a global prayer. It reveals God's heart not just for Israel, but for all peoples. It is deeply connected to the covenantal promise to Abraham—that through his seed, all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

But Psalm 67 does more than echo a promise; it calls God’s people to live in such a way that the nations come to know God. When we turn to Revelation 14:6–12, we see this mission fulfilled and sharpened in a time of judgment. Together, these passages show us what it means to be God’s people—blessed, not for comfort, but for purpose.

God Blesses His People for the Sake of the World (Psalm 67:1–2)

"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." (Psalm 67:1–2)

This psalm begins with a blessing that sounds familiar—it echoes the priestly blessing of Numbers 6. But here’s the twist: this blessing isn't just about God being kind to us. It’s about God making His goodness visible so that the world might see Him. The psalmist is not asking for blessing as an end in itself, but as a means to global witness.

Psalm 67:2 is central: God blesses His people so that His ways—His character, His salvation—might be made known. This is our vocation as the people of God. We are not chosen to hoard grace, but to reflect it. God's people are to be the radiant mirror of His truth to a dark world.

A Global Vision of Worship and Justice (Psalm 67:3–5)

"May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth." (vv. 3–4)

Here is the heartbeat of missions: not just that people hear the gospel, but that they come to praise God. That the nations rejoice in Him—not under compulsion, but with gladness. Why? Because He rules with equity. The psalm connects God's global rule with justice. The peoples of the earth can rejoice because God is not a tyrant; He is righteous, fair, and trustworthy.

This is a glimpse of the end goal: a worldwide community of worshippers, rejoicing in the just reign of God. And the Church, God’s people, are the light that points the way.

The Final Witness in Revelation 14:6–12

Now turn to Revelation 14. The scene shifts from a joyful psalm to an urgent, apocalyptic warning. But notice the connection:

"Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people." (Rev. 14:6)

This is the final echo of Psalm 67’s prayer: that the salvation of God would reach all the nations. But here, we see the urgency sharpened by coming judgment. The call is the same: Fear God and give Him glory! But now the time is short.

The role of God’s people in Revelation 14 is sobering. We are not only witnesses of grace—we are also witnesses of judgment. The gospel we proclaim includes both the invitation to joy and the warning of wrath. Verses 9–11 speak of the fate of those who follow the beast, who reject God’s way. The message is clear: the decisions of nations matter. Worship matters. Allegiance matters.

Yet even in this warning, there is a remnant who remain faithful:

"This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep His commands and remain faithful to Jesus." (Rev. 14:12)

This is our calling: to endure, to obey, and to bear witness. To speak the truth in love—even when it’s hard.

Our Role in the Story

Psalm 67 and Revelation 14 together teach us that God's people are both blessed and sent. We are recipients of grace—but not to keep it to ourselves. God’s blessing is missional. It is given so that His salvation may be known.

Psalm 67:2 must shape how we live. Our prayer is not just “God bless me,” but “God bless me so that the nations might see You.”

And Revelation 14 reminds us that this mission is urgent. The eternal gospel must be proclaimed now. Time is short. The world needs to see the way of salvation through us.

• Ask God to bless you—not just for your own comfort, but so you might be a light in your neighborhood, workplace, and beyond.

• Speak the truth of the gospel with courage and compassion, knowing that both salvation and judgment are real.

• Live a life of praise, justice, and witness. Be a reflection of the blessing of God to the nations.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us—so that His ways may be known on earth, His salvation among all nations. Amen.

More: Lesson 9: In the Psalms: Part 2