Robert Webber, in his book, The Younger Evangelicals wrote, “The calling of the church in every culture is to be mission. That is, the work of the church is not to be an agent or servant of the culture. The churches’ business is not to maintain freedom or to promote wealth or to help a political party or to serve as the moral guide to culture. The church’s mission is to be the presence of the kingdom… The church’s mission is to be show the world what it looks like when a community of people live under the reign of God.” Psalm 105 explains the ingredients necessary for people to live under the reign of God.
Intimacy
Thank, praise, speak and glory in His holy name and wonderful acts. Those who seek the Lord and His strength continually will have glad hearts. Abraham’s offspring will remember His judgments (Ps. 105:1-7). Gladness and knowing God’s glory come by seeking the Lord and His strength.
Covenant
God’s faithfulness continues throughout all generations beginning with His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He promised Canaan as their inheritance when they were few in number. He protected their prophets, permitted no man to oppress them and reproved kings for their sakes (Ps. 105:8-15). Relying on God’s covenant with Abraham protects and allows you to prosper.
Wisdom
When famine came, God sent Joseph who was sold as a slave and tested before being made ruler to teach his elders wisdom. God caused His people to be very fruitful and stronger than their adversaries (Ps. 105:16-24). Wisdom and strength comes from God through His called people.
Deliverance
When hate came, God sent Moses and Aaron to perform miracles like sending darkness, turning waters to blood, causing fish to die, and a land swarming with frogs, flies, locusts and hail. Lastly, God killed all the first-born and first-fruits (Ps. 105:25-36). Deliverance through miracles comes from God mediated through His called people.
Obedience
He brought them out with silver and gold. God spread a cloud for a covering and fire to illumine by night. They asked and He brought quail, bread of heaven and water from a rock. He remembered his promise to Abraham and gave them the nations’ lands so they could take possession of the peoples’ labor and observe His laws (Ps. 105:37-45). Obey God’s word and receive His provision, guidance and inheritance of the nations.
Consider how you are living under the reign of God:
1. I seek to know God intimately every day
2. I appreciate the protection and promises of the Abrahamic Covenant
3. I am open to God’s wisdom and strength in everyday life
4. I embrace God’s deliverance through His miracles
5. I obey God’s word and receive His provision, guidance and inheritance
