Psalm 67:1-7 God be merciful to us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine on us; Selah.… One of the most striking characteristics of the religion of the Bible is its universality. It is designed to, and does, meet the wants of all. I. TRUE RELIGION IS EXPANSIVE BOTH IN ITS NATURE AND EFFECTS. The highest form of life is exhibited in the most complex organization. In lower types we find that comparative simplicity of structure is sufficient to maintain and manifest vitality. But when we come to man, and examine the human organism, we see the highest type of life on earth. And so in the history of civilization. In the rude ages of the past little organization was needed. But how different now. The human life of man only reaches its perfect type when men are bound together with strong ties of mutual interest and dependence, sympathy and love. And so the true spiritual life of the soul seeks its growth by spreading its life-inspiring influence in every direction; by working in every possible way for the good of others, and by striving to bring the whole race into the brotherhood of the Kingdom of God. II. IN SEEKING GOD'S GRACE AND BLESSING FOR OURSELVES, WE SHALL HAVE REGARD TO THE INFLUENCE TO BE EXERTED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE WELFARE OF MEN. We are mindful of these high motives when we are seeking to stimulate others and ourselves in preaching and teaching the Gospel, but we are not so when we pray for blessings upon ourselves. III. ALL EFFECTIVE WORK FOR GOD MUST BE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND PROGRESS IN OUR OWN SOULS. Christian life, like the light, radiates from a centre, and the brighter the light the farther its rays extend in every direction. Have, then, life in your souls. (Harvey Phillips, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: {To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song.} God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.WEB: May God be merciful to us, bless us, and cause his face to shine on us. Selah. |
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