On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech as part of the dedication ceremony of Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg. His speech was only two minutes long and comprised of 271 words. Even though it was brief, the President’s speech had a huge impact. It is often quoted, alluded to, and has become an important part of our American heritage.

Psalm 117 might be the shortest chapter of the Bible, yet it also has a profound meaning out of proportion to its length. The psalm opens with a call to praise. Notice that it is not directed at Israel or the worshiping community. Instead, the psalmist calls the nations to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel (v. 1)! This psalm reminds Israel that God’s desire was always to reach the nations through Israel. God called Israel not because He rejected the nations, but so that the nations could eventually join Israel in true worship (Gen. 12:3). The apostle Paul picked up on this teaching, “Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Rom. 15:8–9).

The psalmist does not just call the nations to worship God but gives them some reasons to do so as well, “For great is his love toward us” (v. 2). The word great is a strong one and better translated as “prevailed.” God’s love has prevailed in a fallen world. His commitment to provide salvation for all people is unshakable (v. 2).

This psalm gives us a helpful way to think about evangelism. In sharing the gospel, we are calling people to come and join us in the worship of the true God. This is what we were created for. Praise God that in His mercy, He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

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