"Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possessions." Psalm 2:8.
Have you ever felt the need to wipe mud off your face when you discover that what you thought was smart was really "mud" spelled backwards? I have--way to frequently. One example is when I think I'm acting in faith, but in reality I'm failing to trust God by doing it all myself. The Great Commission is just treading water without prayer. Think about it. What does Jesus mean when He promises the disciples, "I am with you always to the end of the age "(Matthew 28:20)? Let me assure you that it is more than just words intended to inspire confidence, like "I got you" or "we're all in this together" or just two thumbs up.
In Psalm 2:8, God He urges, "Ask of me"? Certainly God was first speaking to David, whose name means 'beloved', saying "You are my Son...Ask of me". As King of Israel David should know that he is ruling at God's behest. Ask David, ask. "“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened" (Matthew 7:7-8).
We hear this also perfectly applied to Jesus, Son of David, at His baptism "You are my beloved Son" (Luke 3:22). For what would Jesus ask the Father? As the only Son of God sent into the world with the promise that "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16), I am reminded of the big ask on Good Friday, "Father, forgive them for they know now what they do" (Luke 23:34). Indeed these words and this work on the cross was for "whoever" and for all "the nations".
Finally, we receive these words personally at our own baptism, as we are born again into the family of our Father and become His dearly loved children by grace through faith. For what shall we ask?
In the Great Commission Jesus sends out His disciples to make more disciples. How is it possible for eleven men on a hill to "Go and make disciples of all nations"(Matthew 28:19)? Maybe we are thinking too much about the scope of the project and not the promise that comes with it. God's promise isn't only that He will be present. That, by itself, is awesome! But God's promise is also found here in Psalm 2:8 "Ask and I will make the nations your heritage." God will make the disciples if we go with Him to the nations, and if we bring Him to the nations, and if we trust in Him, ask Him, depend on Him, point the nations to Him then He will make them a heritage. He will make them His disciples.
James 4:2-3 says, "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." What are we asking God for...really? To overwhelm our enemies, for good health, more wealth, popularity among the peeps, freedom from anxiety...? What a great wish list. I wonder how many letters go to Santa asking for world peace? We spend our prayer time asking for transient stuff, things that will pass away. What about the salvation of souls? Where does "Your kingdom come" fit in to your prayers as more than just a memorized petition of the Lord's prayer.
"Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possessions." Psalm 2:8.
Prayer: I beg You LORD, be with me today and lead me where You would have me go to accomplish Your good purpose. Let Your kingdom come to the people around me and make the nations Your heritage. As Your beloved child and in the name of Your beloved Son Jesus I pray. Amen.