Governing the Nations

Let the peoples praise You, O God;
  Let all the peoples praise You.
Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!
For You shall judge the people righteously,
  And govern the nations on earth.

(Psalm 67:3-4)

When God shows His mercy and blessing to His people, it blesses all the nations of the world with a revelation of His salvation (Psalm 67:1-2; see A Revelation of Jesus to the Nations).

When His “salvation” (Hebrew yeshuah — in name form, the Hebrew word for Jesus) is made known to the nations, because of His blessing on us, it causes the people of the world to praise Him with joy and gladness. For it is a sign that God is coming to judge the people righteously (fairly and equitably). That is, He is coming to set things right. He is coming to govern the nations, to lead and guide them into the place of blessing.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17)

For unto us a Child is born,
  Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
  And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
  There will be no end.

(Isaiah 9:6-7)

The judgment of God does not come to condemn or destroy the nations, but to lead them into salvation, healing and prosperity, through faith in His Yeshua. It is the invitation of Psalm 2. Though the nations rage and plot against the LORD and His Messiah in vv. 1-3, still, He invites them into a redeeming relationship with Him:

Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
  Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear,
  And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
  And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
  Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

(Psalm 2:10-12)

When God’s people learn how to walk in the favor and blessing of the Lord, and give Him all the glory, it becomes a powerful witness to the nations of the world — the hope of peace and righteousness being established.