Burkina Faso, Turkmenistan, India, Andorra, United States, Suriname. These are just a few of the world’s 195 countries that host 8.1 billion people today. Some of these nations may be unfamiliar to us, but the world is on our doorstep as advances in communication, business, social media, and transportation open our eyes and lives to them all.
We have over 8,000,000,000 neighbors at this moment, and we’re more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. This globalization can be fascinating, inspiring, and unifying. But it can also feel overwhelming and frightening, especially when we witness unrelenting conflict, cruelty, and suffering. Anxiety rises as we feel the weight of the world. We can hardly process it, let alone fix it.
While we may emphasize the importance of our personal relationship with Jesus, we may not be as familiar with God’s design for the nations collectively. Yes, God sees us close up and loves us personally. But He also has a wide-angle vision and love for the world, and we see that unfold through God’s promises to Abraham.
“I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you….all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
—Genesis 12:2–3
God planted Abraham and his family to grow a new community that would know and follow Him—the nation of Israel. And God promised Abraham that He would bless this new nation and all others through it.
Fast forward 2,000 years or so, and a baby is born from Abraham’s lineage in Bethlehem. God blessed Israel through Abraham and expanded that blessing to all nations through Abraham’s descendant, Jesus. Jesus was also sent to grow a new community—a world-wide family of faith.
Jesus’s disciple Peter helped connect these dots for the Jewish people. After he healed a crippled beggar at the temple in Jerusalem, Peter urged the astonished crowd to believe that the healing power came from the risen Messiah, Jesus. He reminded them that Abraham’s story and their own prophets foretold this Messiah who would bless and restore not only faithful Jewish followers but all nations.
And Paul connected these dots for the Gentiles, too, teaching that this blessing and hope were for them by faith in Jesus too.
Now the Scripture…proclaimed the gospel ahead of time to Abraham, saying, All the nations will be blessed through you.”
—Galatians 3:8
This gospel was proclaimed ahead of time! And this is the good news for the nations: Jesus is God’s Son, who died for the weighty sin of the world. God welcomes all who believe that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and rely on Him. All are adopted as family, loved, and saved for eternity. There was a divine plan for the formation and restoration of Israel, and there’s a divine plan for the formation and restoration of God’s worldwide family of faith. There is hope for all neighbors and nations, “the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the distant seas” (Psalm 65:5).
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72 thoughts on "Hope for the Nations"
I am so thankful that God is not reactionary. He has had His plan all along and in that plan is provision for us to have a relationship with Him, a family, and a purpose. It is mind boggling that this plan is for anyone who believes especially with how many people there are in this world with the opportunity to respond. Today I am reminded to pray for the nations to know Him.
These are the 2. verses that stood out to me this morning:
Galatians 3:29 NLT
And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children[a] of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
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Psalm 65:5 NLT
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
even those who sail on distant seas.
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This quote from He Reads Truth connect and sum up these verses well:
“But there’s good news of hope this Advent season for stingy, scarcity-driven people like Abraham, you, and me. The heart of God to bless the world is carried out without reservation through Jesus, who in every way, walked in the presence and promise of God and without reservation, forfeited his blessing from God. Jesus came so that those who were cursed by sin and living in scarcity would experience the overwhelmingly abundant heart of God for all of those who believe in Him.” Written by Ryne Brewer.
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The song I was reminded of this morning is an old song, “He Reigns” by Newsboys:
All God’s children singin’
“Glory, glory, hallelujah”
“He reigns” He reigns
All God’s people singin’
“Glory, glory, hallelujah”
“He reigns”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
This morning I am struck by the realization that God planned for ALL of us to be part of His family right from the beginning. Something I may have known but didn’t connect the dots back to Abraham until today. What an amazing God!
Amen! ❤️
I like to imagine the Kingdom of God as a beautiful tapestry he is weaving and we are all precious strands that make up the finished piece of art. God has been weaving the story throughout all time and he invites each one of us to take our place, praise God!
So beautifully put!
I’m just a little overwhelmed with the realization that there is such HOPE for our world. I’m in my office, listening to Christmas music, being reminded of the Savior that came to this world to save us, to free us from sin and death, to give us a life worth living, to give us eternal life with Him. There is so much hope for the nations. I really want to believe that, and put aside all the judgment and critical thinking I’ve had. There is so much to hope for, to believe in. Life up my eyes and see the Savior of the world extending His hand to all of us all around the world. What a beautiful season we are in, full of generosity and giving and mostly the Baby Jesus coming to earth to save us. Rejoice!! and again, Rejoice!!
Morning She’s :-)
Today’s passages reminds me of this song.
“Hope Of The Nations” Lyrics
by Brian Doerksen
from the album Live In Europe
Jesus, hope of the nations
Jesus, comfort for all who mourn
You are the source of Heaven’s hope on earth
Jesus, light in the darkness
Jesus, truth in each circumstance
You are the source of Heaven’s light on earth
In history You lived and died
You broke the chains You rose to life
CHORUS
You are the hope living in us
You are the rock in whom we trust
You are the light shining for all the world to see
You rose from the dead conquering fear
Our Prince of Peace drawing us near
Jesus our hope living for all who will receive
Lord we believe
May
Thank you all for your sharing and prayers yesterday. As many of you have said, marriage is not easy but I must say I felt more hopeful after reading your prayers and listening to the podcast. I was so inspired by it! This morning instead of going straight to reading, I lit a candle and sat in the dark, praying for the light of Jesus to reach my loved ones and my neighbors, and asked how I can make room for those this season who are lost, hurting, broken? Lord open my eyes to see the “nations” in my own backyard. Break my heart for what breaks yours! Let me be intentional about how I spend my time this season.
What a beautiful idea, Tami! Your comment reflects something I was thinking as I read the devo- many nations are literally in our back yard daily! As we share Christ with those who move here from other nations, we are essentially sharing with the nations because if they make a salvation decision they will reach out to family back home in their former country. Amazing to think about! ❤
Oh Tami, that sounds beautiful, I’m sure it was just how God wanted to be with you this morning. I too, will try to incorporate this idea in my morning.
Break my heart for what breaks yours..so beautifully put. I’m jumping in as well.
We are heirs accord to the promise! And not just in our little world but anyone who believes in Jesus around the world! So beautiful! Just like here, do many from around the world! If we would each one reach one, how our world would change.
Praying for all from Oklahoma where we go from spring weather to freezing every other day! I still have flowers blooming!
JESUS is the Hope for the Nations!
A song popped into my head while reading today.
I’ll see if I can find a link too and post it to FB, but here are the lyrics;
“Hope Of The Nations”
By Brian Doerksen
Jesus, hope of the nations
Jesus, comfort for all who mourn
You are the source of Heaven’s hope on earth
Jesus, light in the darkness
Jesus, truth in each circumstance
You are the source of Heaven’s light on earth
In history You lived and died
You broke the chains, You rose to life
You are the hope living in us
You are the rock in whom we trust
You are the light shining for all the world to see
You rose from the dead conquering fear
Our Prince of Peace drawing us near
Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive
Lord, we believe
Jesus, hope of the nations
Jesus, comfort for all who mourn
You are the source of Heaven’s hope on earth
Jesus, light in the darkness
Jesus, truth in each circumstance
You are the source of Heaven’s light on earth
In history You lived and died
You broke the chains, You rose to life
You are the hope living in us
You are the rock in whom we trust
You are the light shining for all the world to see
You rose from the dead conquering fear
Our Prince of Peace drawing us near
Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive
Lord, we believe
Lord, we believe
Lord, we believe
In history You lived and died
You broke the chains, You rose to life
You are the hope living in us
You are the rock in whom we trust
You are the light shining for all the world to see
You rose from the dead conquering fear
Our Prince of Peace drawing us near
Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive
(Jesus)
Oh, You are the hope, Lord
You are the hope living in us
You are the rock in whom we trust
You are the light shining for all the world to see
You rose from the dead conquering fear
Our Prince of Peace drawing us near
Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive
Lord, we believe
(Jesus, hope of the nations)
You answer us in righteousness,
with awe-inspiring works,God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the distant seas. Psalm 65:5
It really is summed up in this verse. From the very beginning, God had a plan and a desire for everyone to know Him. It has never been just about us in the immediate and small sense of the word. It is God’s heart for all to know the saving love, grace and forgiveness of Jesus and it is my (our) great responsibility and privilege to share that Good News. Closer to home, there is no question as to if we should hold on to hope to believe for our loved ones, because we know it is God’s heart that they come to know Him. His timing, His way by the mighty work of Holy Spirit. No matter if it’s our family, our friends, colleagues, the person we cross paths with, or supporting missions and missionaries that can reach beyond ourselves we have the opportunity to be a way to represent Jesus and proclaim the hope for all to know Him. I’m not sure about where you are, but in my corner of Alberta, Canada we are a very diverse multi ethnic city and province. The nations are in my back yard. The true Hope for all is not limited to just a few and I have both the opportunity and responsibility to be messenger of the Gospel for all and be a part of fulfilling the plan and call God has. At this time my call is to be that message of Hope right where I am each and every day. But I can also and support the work of the church as it equips those to go out. Right now my daughter and a team are preparing to head out to the mission field on Saturday and going to Costa Rica to take Jesus to the nations. There is a team from our church is travelling to Columbia in February. Both near and far I can support and pray for opportunities that will be available for others to know Jesus- the true Hope for all.
Amen Wendy. This is so true!
Thank you Father, for sending us your precious Son! We needed a Savior, and His Holy Spirit as well… You do not withhold good gifts for those who love You and who believe your word! Come let us adore Him! ❤️
Good morning, ladies! I am here, quietly reading with and praying for you all. If I could ask for prayer, too…On Sunday afternoon, my husband was charging his car battery with my car in our (detached) garage. His battery exploded, causing a fire that quickly consumed both cars and the entire structure. We don’t have much storage in the house, so many dear things were kept out there. My husband was able to get out a back door and the amazing firemen were able to save our house. I am learning to hold grief and gratitude together, but covet your prayers for all the things.
Oh my, so, so sorry. I think I even saw that on a news clip! It is hard to lose precious, tangible things we love. My tub of memories were lost in a flood a couple of years ago. So thankful though your husband was Ok! Praise God, and for the fireman that held it at bay from your house!
Praying for peace as you navigate the days ahead. Thankful that you, hubby, and home were spared.
So sorry Rachel, thank goodness your husband is ok. Very scary! Prayers as you move forward and do the repairs.❤️
❤ Bless your heart, Rachel! I, tok, am THANKFUL your husband and home were spared serious harm. I mourn with you over the loss of your precious items. May God comfort and give you peace in time. Thank you for sharing this need with us and thanks, too for the reminder of how dangerous that oft-seen ad ‘simple’ procedure is.
Hope for the Nations..it’s pretty easy to zoom out today the lens to see the whole world, but back growing up in the 80’s and 90’s we can think back to our small world. We usually got our glimpse through the newspaper once a day, or the 3 allotted times the news came on tv. We were discussing this yesterday in my group studying Isaiah. How the world’s eyes will be all turned back to the tiny nation of Israel, when the birthing pains will increase! How everyone will be able “to see” the 2 Jews proclaim Jews, die in front of everyone and be brought back to life!! EVERYONE will be able to watch and see this miracle!! Can you imagine when that happens! Yet, some will still be able to explain where all the Christians went when we disappear. (raptured) And they will explain the situation there in Jerusalem when it comes! But it is exciting to study the Bible and books like Isaiah and Revelation, added with a study on Hope! Because 20 years ago, we didn’t have internet and the capacity to live stream. And the nation of Israel didn’t become a state until 1948. And Jerusalem was just recognized the “official” capital a handful of years ago.
I find some of the scriptures of the great Paul to be “word salads” sometimes, trying to make my mind make sense of what he is saying. The law and faith, and the whys and how’s. Yet it is simple when we know our Hope is Jesus. If we put our eyes on Jesus, and know that he gave us the same power that lived in Him (after the baptism of John, and the Dove came to him), that now we have a LIVING HOPE in us, we can know it is all going to be ok! Anything we are going through, we set our eyes on him, and know he not only sees us, but is in us. That is such a comfort that others don’t have. It gives us peace beyond all understanding. In a world that is busy, faltering in anxiety and stress, sin is abundant (even made seemingly a good thing), evil is daily…Lord we want you, we need you, we can’t do this life without you! We HAVE to give that HOPE to others Right now, right here and now. You have the answer and hope to share. Lets remember that every day.
The song come to mind “Lord I Need Thee.” As we go to jail ministry today we begin our Advent with the news of “Hope” it is perfect for them with no hope at the moment, feeling despair and powerless in their situation. But Jesus come to you, me, and in a cold room in jail facility. He lives in us, and comes in them when they believe and have faith. It is beautiful to be a part of! Then they can go and spread, and it spreads…zooming out slowly. And all those snippets of zooming out all over the world grow and connect! What a visual in my mind!! So go and bless someone today, with a text, a call, or a note! Hope is here!
Rhonda, that is so poignant! The world would have those ladies in jail believing that there is NO HOPE for them in that plat. BUT, that is the beauty of Christ. Where He is there is HOPE.
Love ya, girl! ❤
“There is hope for all neighbors and nations, “the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the distant seas” (Psalm 65:5).”
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Yes and Amen!! Praise God that He has made a way for ALL to come to salvation!
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Praying that the lost world will have eyes to see and ears to hear – that God will turn the lost from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins…”
Acts 26:18
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Have a blessed Wednesday ladies! I’m off to see my one and only grandbaby girl this morning!
Yes Amen! Why did I take such the long way (the Paul way, lol) to try to sum that up!
Aww enjoy Sharon!
❤ Enjoy sweet baby kissrs! ❤
*Kisses!*
Genesis 12:2-3 Amen
“Those who live by faith, these are the children of Abraham” takes me back to our Faith study which built so many of us up in our faith. Faith in God is what blesses us, which then in turn blesses everyone around us. Our faith, our light radiates to anyone we come in contact with. We change our environment. We change the people around us. ALL nations are blessed by the faith and light of Christians all over the world.
Yes Amen! Perfectly said!
Yes!!
A very sweet reminder… He came for me but He also came for them. The ones who at this moment in time seem unrepentant for their actions. The ones who seem “unredeemable” He came for them. A hard pill to swallow… But what beautiful news anyway!
Oh that’s so good! It is hard to remember that, but it was ME and You!! That’s why even too, with other Christian’s we must also show grace, because they too are on a journey of sanctification growing and learning in wisdom. We are all babies in the beginning, at Salvation, but we need to be fed more by others further along (and the Lord of course), and keep growing in our relationship with Jesus. So good to remember!
♥️
We are all HIS children. Adoption was always part of HIS plan. We are not Grandfathered in because of our parents. WE make that choice to follow JESUS, (BEST decision one can make) for the rest of our lives. Let us not lose hope for our loved ones, even when gets hard. I remember when JESUS became Lord of my life along with ALL my siblings during the time period. TODAY only three of the six of us stayed committed to our relationship with HIM. I pray often for my siblings, I love them SO much! While we are still living and praying there is HOPE for our loved ones. Let us continue to pray for them, even if its not us who God uses to bring them back. I pray God will use someone in their life to encourage them to come back.
Last year one of my siblings gave me a book that was given to her by a student. It was a much desired (by me) book by Lysa TerKerust. She gave it to me because she said she would not read it, BUT it made me think that one of her little ones was praying for her.
Great word, Mari! ❤
Patti’s devotional ends with what I had zeroed in on ALL the ends of the earth and the distant seas. Let us share to the ends of the earth, sweet sisters.
That is the verse I was planning to share in comments. I still am! ❤
It amazed me to read of God’s foresight. It reminds me that his plans for Christ’s birth took generations and even though he may be quiet in my waiting, all things are in His perfect time. So thankful to all who have believed for centuries. ❤️
It’s amazing to think that through ONE MAN, the world would be populated and blessed…first naturally then supernaturally. One man! First Abraham the Isaac…then through Jesus. The world was changed, hope was received!
Good morning ladies. I pray that in this season we can all put our differences aside and see the bigger picture in what God planned for us all. It’s hard to imagine peace when there is so much violence and corruption in our world. Never mind the entire world, I’d just love to see peace inside my own home. Lol. There is always tension and I feel like I’m walking on eggshells. God, please help me to be the calming factor and that each person will follow my lead and find forgiveness in their hearts. We have a new kitten and the other 2 cats aren’t sure they like it. It’s fun to sit back and watch them interact. This kitten so wants to be their friend. Even the cats can’t get along lol! Thank your for your prayers searching, u are always so thoughtful
Karrie, I love the kitty illustration- made me chuckle! God can and does use anything to teach us! Praying with you for peace in your home. I have experienced the eggshell syndrome. ❤
How wonderful is our God that he can focus solely on one individual but zoom out and see all of His creation! I’m still amazed by Him. Oh how He loves us ♥️
If we could learn to love our 8.1 billion neighbors this side of heaven, then, that would be something.
Hope
Amen!
As part of my prayer list, I pray (regularly, but need to up that to daily) for the people in nations around the world, that the hope that comes from faith in Jesus would be brought or made known to them in some way, that their hearts and minds would be receptive to this great gift of salvation and true freedom, that they would feel the all encompassing love of God. I also pray that with this hope would come transformation in their day-to-day lives – food and shelter as needed, physical freedom and protection, freedom from persecution.
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I was taught about Jesus as far back as I can remember and it’s hard to imagine living without knowing Him or knowing about Him. Blessed indeed.
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REBECCA W and MARIA J – praying for victory for your sons in their battles, and for an acquaintance that I learned yesterday had entered rehab
ALEIDA- praying for Victor, salvation, job and housing, and victory over unhealthy habits or dependencies
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JULIA C and others that mentioned doubting God, lack of trust and faith in Him opening the door to sin – thank you
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SARAH CANFIELD- praying that hope, as we study God’s word together, lifts your spirits ❤️
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ERB ❤️
MERCY ❤️ thankful for your recovery
Good to see you, sisters!!
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MARI V – praying for A
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LYNNE FROM AL – praying for you and Jack
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LAUREN GW – praying for your family
KARRIE – praying for your family
Thank you Searching and all my sisters who prayed for my son Brett yesterday. It means a lot.
❤
Galatians 3:27 caught my attention today. For those who are baptized in Christ are clothed with Him. I find it reassuring when God looks at me He sees Christ sacrifice. Another reminder to be still in God’s love and let go of my striving. A frequent reminder and hard thing for me to let go of in my life.
As I read this morning I was praying for our loved ones who aren’t yet baptized.
♥️
“God isn’t stingy with His blessing.” (From HRT). So why am I stingy with sharing the Good News with everyone I meet?
Right?!?! ❤️
Amen
Amen
It’s so easy to forget that as a gentile, I am part of the “Hope for the Nations,” group. Praise God for his fulfilled promise through Christ- what hope there is that all nations can become a part of Abraham’s seed!
From HRT today:
“In Genesis 1–3, Adam and Eve were given God’s heart through His presence and promise, only to distrust, dishonor, and disregard their duty to bless the world. And Abraham, too, was given the very heart of God through His presence and promise. The rest of his story includes times where he reluctantly shared or even failed to receive the blessing of God.
“A story like Abraham’s reminds us that God isn’t stingy with His blessing; we are stingy to share. We fail to trust God’s heart for us. Because of sin we, like Abraham, live by the lie of scarcity. We disbelieve the magnitude of God’s heart to bless us with His presence and promise then in turn deny others the very blessing God wants for them through us.”
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May I be generous in sharing the HOPE of Jesus to the people around me.
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TAMI – thank you for sharing your struggles. Praying God will help your heart heal.
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REBECCA W –
Grr.sorry for the partial post
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REBECCA W – praying for your son to remain committed to a treatment plan.
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MERCY – welcome back! ❤️
So. Good.
Thank you so much Kelly!
Great reminder, Kelly, that we are blessed so we can bless others. Too often once our needs are met, we forget that part! ❤
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Hope the transitioning at work is still going well!
We are heirs because of the promise God made to Abraham and our acceptance, by faith, of the free gift that was offered for us.
Now if that doesn’t give us HOPE, I don’t know what will!
Blessed Wednesday, Sisters. Keeping you all and your requests in prayer from freezing northeastern Pennsylvania, USA.
♥️. Indeed! ♥️
❤ unbelievable amount of snow! Stay safe!
I just love that this picture of France pops up every day…where we have over 20 nationalities in our church.
❤️
Thank you for enlightening me on location! And wow, 20 nationalities ❤️
Thanks, Liz! I was looking at the plates on the front of the vehicles last night trying to determine the country. My thought was Canada!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him (Romans 15:13)
Yes!
“…So that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”! The rest of the verse!! ♥️