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Devotional 9.12.25


September 12, 2025 – All the Peoples

Ephesians 1:7-10 – 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known[ to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.

 

Scripture Reading – Psalm 87

 

God desires to dwell with his people. But that begs two questions. Who are God’s people and where will they dwell with him? God promised Abraham that he would make him a great nation, and that through him all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (Gen. 12:1-2). The descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob became known as the nation of Israel. But that’s not where the ancestry ends. We see throughout the Old Testament that God’s desire was to be redeem, to be united, to gather yet others to him besides those already gathered (Isaiah 56:8).

 

Who are the others? It’s us. It’s people from every nation, tribe and language (Rev. 7:9). It is the mystery of God’s will, through the blood of Jesus Christ, that we have redemption and can dwell with him. All things are united in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him (Eph. 1:10). God’s love and affection for Zion, his chosen dwelling place with his people, is evident in Psalm 87. Verse 6 tells us he registers the peoples, plural. Our salvation, our ability to dwell with God, are made possible by the cornerstone of Zion (Jesus) laid by God himself (1 Peter 2:6/Isaiah 28:16).

 

On Sunday we will lift our diverse voices in song, beginning with “The Lord’s Prayer.” We’ll sing Let Your Kingdom come, let your will be done. The kingdom, the power, the glory are God’s alone forever. Yet it’s his will to invite us to be among the nations, to be registered as his people, to be part of his kingdom. In “All Sufficient Merit” we’ll be reminded how this is possible, by Jesus’s work on the cross. In “Holy Holy Holy” we’ll praise the only one perfect in power, love and purity. Finally, “Behold Our God” gives us words for an appropriate response. Come, let us adore him. As every nation will one day cry out in a loud voice, we too can worship knowing salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Rev. 7:10).

Further reading: Genesis 12:2-3; Isaiah 56:1-8, 62:11-12; 2 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 7:9-10  


Reflection Questions:

1.     What thoughts and emotions come to mind when you consider Jesus as the cornerstone of God’s dwelling place, uniting all peoples together for eternity?

2.     What effect does that have on your life, and how you worship the Lord, today?

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m humbled and in awe of your great love for me, knowing that you’ve made it possible for me to one day dwell with you. Help me to live today in light of eternity, to have a heart for you alone, a worshipful spirit, and a love like yours for all of your people from every nation, tribe and language. Amen.


A playlist of the morning worship songs can be listened to here.

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