In my previous post, I referred to the connection between worship and missions.  Continuing in this amazing Psalm, the connection is taken to a different level:

 "For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!" Psalms 96:5-7

We are all worshipers.  Yet because of our sinful nature, we naturally seek to worship something other than the one true God (Romans 1:19-23).  Those who have not placed their faith in Christ are following a make-shift god. Yet for me, one of the key words in this verse is the word "worthless."

False gods make false promises.  Not once can they fulfill.  Millions are devoted to sham theology that will leave them empty-handed in the end.  The thought of this is overwhelming if we will simply let it sink in.

That is where verses six and seven come in.  Though the gods of the nations are worthless, the Lord is full of splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty.  He never makes a promise that will not be kept.  He can satisfy like nothing else.  He is our fullness of joy and delight.  In His hand is both safety and security.

Psalm 96 drives us to missions because we have experienced the one true God to whom none can begin to compare.  And this experience does not drive us to selfishness.  On the contrary, it compels us to go to those who are seeking the same fulfillment in a facade.  Let us go to the nations with good news!