When Jesus walked the earth, news about him spread like wildfire. The region exploded with the stories and testimonies of his teaching, miracles, and love. But it wasn’t enough to just hear about what Jesus was doing. People wanted to see for themselves. In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, we read the account of some of the first disciples meeting Jesus. Andrew met Jesus and went to tell his brother Simon. Simon came to meet Jesus for himself. The next day Jesus called Philip to follow him. Philip went to tell his friend Nathanael that the Messiah had come. Nathanael was skeptical, so Philip told him “Come and see.” What a simple, powerful invitation! You don’t believe? Well come and see for yourself!
We see this invitation in Psalm 66.
Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations – let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
The writer is overjoyed with the glory of God! He is shouting and singing God’s praises. As he leads others, he invites them to tell God how awesome all of his works are. He reflects on the greatness of God’s power over his enemies. God is so wonderful that all the earth worships and sings his praises. Then comes the invitation in verse 5, “Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.” The writer then reflects one of God’s most awesome deeds – when he led his people out of slavery in Egypt, split the Red Sea, and delivered his people across dry land into freedom.
You don’t believe that God can do the miraculous? You’re not sure that God can free his people? You’re not sure that God’s works are awesome and worthy of praise? Well then, come and see for yourself! This is an invitation we first need to make to our own hearts. When you are down or doubting, let Psalm 66 remind you to go to God, reflect on who he is and what he has done. See again for yourself!
But also, as the psalmist calls us, we need to call others. We need to give the invitation, “Come and see what God has done!” Yes, we need to tell people about the love and abundant life we have in Christ, but we also need to invite them to see for themselves. Show them the grace of God! Invite your friends to come with you as you live in the midst of God’s awesome work. Show your coworkers how God has transformed you. Invite your coworkers to Sunday morning worship to experience the presence of God. Live in such a way that your children actually see the great power of God.
“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.”