Everyone everywhere is called to worship God: “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise” (Psalm 66:1-2). That’s a big invitation: but how will all those people respond? It turns out they respond fully and joyfully: “all the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name” (66:4).

Much of the Old Testament focuses on Israel as distinct among the nations, yet there is this recurring thread of God’s desire to love and redeem the whole world. “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you” (67:4-5).

Can we dare to believe that it has always been God’s intention to bless and redeem all the earth? And if that is so, can it be our intention as well? Can we say to those whose hearts are far from God, “Come and see what God has done; he is awesome in his deeds among mortals” (66:5)?

May we be bold, filled with the confidence to invite neighbors and strangers and distant foreigners, “Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip” (66:8-9).

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Often we imagine your love is somehow just for us, O Lord: yet you have loved all the world, and you invite us to share in your love for every people and tongue and tribe and nation. Yes, Lord! Open our hearts to your Spirit, and we will indeed seek to love the world as you do.