Fast Day 20: Unreached Nations

By Carmen Palmquist

1 Why do the nations rage?Why do the people waste their time with futile plans? 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;the rulers plot togetheragainst the Lord and against his anointed one.3 "Let us break their chains," they cry,"and throw off their shackles."

4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs.The Lord scoffs at them.5 Then in anger he speaks to them,terrifying them with his fierce fury.6 "On Zion, my sacred hill,I have installed my King."

7 The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:"He said to me, ‘You are my Son.Today I have become your Father.8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,the whole earth as your possession.9 You will break them with an iron rodand smash them like clay pots.’"

10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!Be warned, you rulers of the earth!11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,and rejoice with trembling.12 Submit to the Son, or he will become angry,and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your prosperity—for his anger can flare up in an instant.But what joy for all who find shelter in him!  - Psalm 2:1-12 (NLT)

The self appointed kings and rulers of the time of the Psalmist had plans that are not much different than the rulers of today. They plotted to destroy the works of the Lord. 

God is clear - there are great consequences for not serving Him. Ultimately, the enemies of the Lord will be smashed to pieces. However, for every nation on earth, it is not too late to turn and “serve the Lord with fear and trembling”. There is a promise that those who seek Him and take refuge in Him will be blessed.

Let’s pray today for the nations who have long ruled themselves. Today we want to pray specifically for the nations our missionaries serve in. The specific countries and missionaries are withheld for safety purposes. You can take time to pray over each missionary by name using the COTR App.

1. What nations is the Lord saying to ask Him for as an inheritance?