Hi gang!  As this article is posted, I have just departed JFK Airport in New York City.  I have left American soil on my way to Jerusalem!  As sojourners made their way to Jerusalem for the feasts of Israel, they would travel together, often singing songs. Some of those songs are recorded in Psalms 120-134.  By now, I have made my way through those psalms, and will continue doing so as I travel. Thus, I want to share some thoughts:

Psalm 120
As the Israelites began to journey, the cares of the day might have accompanied them as they departed.  I wonder if Psalm 120 might be reflective of that.  They were troubled, and as they spoke of peace, enemies spoke of war.  Not so different from today!  Let this psalm be a reminder to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as her enemies still speak of war.

Psalm 121

As they traveled, particularly from certain areas of Israel, they might have lifted their eyes to the mountains, wondering where their help comes from.  Apparently, the God of Israel revealed Himself to them, as they quickly realize that their help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth!  Do we recognize that fact when we face trouble?  Indeed, God is our keeper and He never sleeps or slumbers.  Just as importantly, He never forgets His land and His people either!

Psalm 122

To stand within the gates of Jerusalem was the reward, and the Israelites anxiously anticipated that!  They prayed for peace and prosperity as they approached. I’m doing likewise!

Psalm 123

Indewd, our Lord is enthroned in heaven, and as servants our eyes look to our master. The Israelites asked for the Lord’s gracious presence because they knew they were “filled with contempt.” We are wise to be so faithful in repentance.

Psalm 124

Just as in ancient times, if not for the Lord on their side, Israel would perish! They knew it then, they know it now! Glory to God for His great love and protection of His people!

Psalm 125

The Israelites reckoned trust in the Lord to be as strong as Mount Zion…the Holy Hill in which they were headed! To this day, the Lord surrounds His people. To be going to that Holy Hill gives me great excitement as I trust in the Lord! When asked if I fear going to Israel in perilous times, I recall this Psalm.

Psalm 126

Throughout history, the Israelites have been thankful for the Lord’s redemption of them from Egypt, and this Psalm illustrates that. In Scripture, Egypt often symbolizes sin. I wonder…are we as thankful as we should be for God’s redemption of us from sin?

Psalm 127

Along the way, Israelites would have remembered the exile to Babylon, and how, by many miracles, God moved upon enemies of Israel to assist in re-building the city and the Temple. Unless the Lord builds it, it is in vain! Unless He guards it, it is destroyed. The city stands today because the Lord is on guard; and we are now the Temple of the Holy Spirit! He still stands guard! Praise God!

Psalm 128

Oh the blessing of hearing the Lord and walking in His ways! As the people walked toward Jerusalem, the object lesson was clear. The Lord bless you from Zion!

Psalm 129

Here, the Israelites lament the persecution they endured…and it has only grown since those days. Yet, they declare “The Lord is righteous!” Friends, no matter what comes our way, let us be faithful to proclaim the Lord’s righteousness!

Psalm 130

Have you ever cried to the Lord from the depths? The Israelites did. They pled for Him to hear their voice, and they sought His forgiveness. Along the journey, they learned to wait for the Lord. They found hope on Him. Why? Because they were assures of the fact that He will redeem them. He will do the same for you. Remain faithful in your own journey “up to Jerusalem.”

Psalm 131

This is a very short Psalm with a very big message: Hope in the Lord! The long journey must have brought contrite realization that they were in need of the Lord to sustain them. We are wise to realize the same!

Psalm 132

As the Temple came into view, the excitement surely grew! In the shadows of the Temple they prayed for blessing upon that sacred place. Indeed, the Lord proclaimed that place as His habitation. One day, in the New Jerusalem, He will dwell physically with us. The spirit of the Lord seems to call out in that place today. Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

Psalm 133

How pleasant for brothers to dwell together! One of the main themes of the seminar I will attend is the unity of Christians and Jews. Please pray for the Lord to bind hearts of Christians and Jews together. One of God’s purposes for Israel is to bless the world in the name of Messiah. One of God’s purposes for Gentiles is to bring the Jews to jealousy, that they might know their Messiah!

Psalm 134

Oh what glory abounded when the people arrived! The priests served with joy throughout the night, and all lifted their hands to bless the Lord in the sanctuary! My hands will be lifted as I arrive.

May the Lord bless you from Zion. He who made heaven and earth!

Blessings dear friends…and stay tuned!

(Pardon typos…I’m working from cell phone and tablet! I’m hoping to have use of my computer once I arrive!)