So That

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.”  Psalm 67:1-2

One tiny word can change everything. Some of the most monumental decisions we make require only a “yes” or “no” answer. No long explanation…just a simple one-word answer. “Will you marry me?” “Do you take this woman to be your wedded wife?” “Do you accept this job offer?” Tiny words…huge implications.

The same is true in Scripture. Perhaps one of the most skipped-over yet important phrases in God’s Word is “so that,” also written as “that” in some instances. Why…  because this phrase offers us a glimpse into the very heart and mind of God. He is answering a question that He oftentimes chooses not to answer…He is telling us why He does certain things. While God certainly owes us no explanation for any of His ways, understanding why sometimes helps us to know Him in a deeper way. It also helps us to know what He wants us to do for the sake of His Name and His glory.

Psalm 67:1-2 gives us the reason for God’s blessing and His presence in the lives of His people…”That Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.” God’s reason for lavishing grace on our lives is so that the whole world will know He is a gracious God. His reason for giving us the gift of salvation is so that every nation will know He is the only God who saves. His reason for blessing us with more than we need is so that we can give to the poor, showing them that He is a God who meets their needs.  God’s greatest desire is to be known and worshiped by every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. As His children, we have the incredible privilege of participating in His work!

So often we hoard God’s riches that are ours in Christ. We spend all that He blesses us with on ourselves, forgetting the “so that” which should drive all that we do.

Father, forgive me for being selfish with Your grace and salvation. Please help me to remember the “so that” in my story. You have blessed me so that I can show others how great and glorious You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.