Psalm 125, 126
We opened the famous “Songs of Ascent” today by reading five of the
fifteen (120-134). These psalms
were sung by the people of Israel when they traveled to Jerusalem for their
three annual festivals — the Feast of Unleavened Bread (or Passover), the Feast
of Weeks (or Pentecost), and the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles or Tents).
Jerusalem was set in the hills, and travelers on this pilgrimage,
therefore, ascended to the city. Thus, sometimes these songs were referred to
as the “Pilgrim Psalms.” They were short songs that helped make the long trip
bearable; they reminded God’s people of the things He had done for them and
prepared them to be ready to worship Him at the Temple.
As these pilgrims walked, they started from long distances. All they
could see, at first, were the mountains of Judea. “I look up to the mountains,”
they sang. “Does my help come from there?” (121:1). As they got closer, Mount Zion
became their focus, the loft of the City of God. “Those who trust in the Lord
are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever”
(125:1). Then, the city
itself came into view, Jerusalem with its beautiful walls and mighty towers.
“Just as the mountains surround and protect Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds
and protects His people, both now and forever” (125:2).
Finally, as they approached the city, they saw the beautiful Temple
towering over everything else and their hearts began to sing for joy! “When the
Lord restored His exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with
laughter and we sang for joy! The other nations said, ‘What amazing things the
Lord has done for them.’ Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What
joy!” (126:1-3).
In those days, the Jews rallied around the Temple. It was their focus
of worship, a reminder that the Lord was with them. Today, we do
not focus on a place but a person, the person of Jesus Christ, who is with us
wherever we go. “Our help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and earth! We
lift our eyes to You, O God, enthroned in the heavens. We look to our God for
His mercy” (121:2; 123:1).
However, we can learn some things from these pilgrims and their songs
of ascent. For example, they prepared their hearts for worship. By the time they
arrived at the Temple, they were eager and expectant. Their minds were on the
things of God and they were ready to be in His presence, ready to offer their
sacrifice of praise. Can we say the same, when we come into the house of God?
Are we as focused and prepared to worship the Lord? More often than not we take
all of our distractions to church with us, and our minds are anywhere else but
there.
Daily Reflection
How expectant are you when you approach the house of God? Are you
dialed in or distracted?
What are your primary distractions before, during, or after a worship
service? How do you prepare your heart to make the most of your time with the
Lord?
BiAY.org | Day 194 — 171 Days to Go
No comments:
Post a Comment