God’s Heart for the Nations – October 26th

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God’s Heart for the Nations – October 26th

Read Acts 2:5-13

Key Verse: “Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.” (Acts 2:5-6 CSB)

If you go online, you can find videos of people groups receiving copies of the Bible for the very first time. Whether it’s a tribal group in a remote part of Southeast Asia, Africa or South America, tears of overwhelming gratitude and joy often mark the reception of the Scriptures. They finally have the ability to read God’s story of the good news of Jesus His Son in their own language or dialect. It’s pretty amazing to watch!

As the promised Holy Spirit fell upon the early believers on the day of Pentecost, the sound of a violent rushing wind that accompanied the event caused a crowd of others to come together. As they gathered, there was a sense of bewilderment and amazement among them. They were astounded and in some cases even confused. Why? They were hearing people speaking in their own languages. They said to each other, “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?” (v.7). People from Galilee were not known for their education or their ability to speak other languages. Yet here they were speaking fluently the various languages of the people and declaring the mighty acts of God in their own tongues. It was incredible!

Part of the significance of the disciples being enabled that day by the Holy Spirit to speak in these known languages is that it reminds us of God’s heart for the nations. The good news of Jesus Christ is not limited to a certain people group in a certain place at a certain time in history. There is no partiality with God. He wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim.2:4).

By the blood that Jesus shed on the Cross, He purchased people for God “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev.5:9). He reminds us that, “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matt.24:14). And when the end does come, for those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, we will be a part of “a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev.7:9).  Imagine how incredible this will be!

God’s heart is for the nations. So to follow Jesus and to seek first His kingdom means sharing in that heart as well. Wherever we are locally, we also need to keep a global perspective on the mission of Jesus. There are still people groups around the world who have not yet heard of the hope of Jesus Christ. We should remember this as we pray and as we give of our resources. And perhaps it might mean even being ready to step outside what is comfortable and go to the nations if God calls us.

Prayer: Jesus, you gave your life so that all people from every tribe, language and nation could be saved. I pray today that you would give me a greater heart today for the nations. Increase my burden to see others from every background and place come to you. May you be glorified by this! Amen.


Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.

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