Good Morning “Ascenders”. Today we are in Psalm 120.
Today’s psalm begins a collection of 15 psalms known as the “Songs of Ascent.” They are the songs (Psalms) that were sung on the journey to worship in Jerusalem. 3 times a year Jewish men, commanded by God, ascended to (returned to) Jerusalem to worship - Passover, Pentecost, and the Festival of Booths. They reflected on their pilgrimage, as they went to worship, much like we reflect on Gods goodness as we show up to worship on Sunday.
Conflict, and suffering will continue this side of heaven (John 16:33, John 15:20). It’s a tool to discipline and correct us (Hebrews 12:4-11), to stretch, test, grow and mature us (James 1:2-5). Through it all, our humble, repentant, obedient response glorifies Him… or at least it should.
These Songs of Ascent reminds us that there is Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). He is never far from us (Hebrews 13:5), on the contrary - it is in the conflict that He often moves biggest.
Even if we are unjustly persecuted, we always have an advocate(1 John 2:1), Who also prays for us. And even though we cannot see Him, He has promised never to leave or forsake us. (Psalm 23, Hebrews 13:5)
So, while we are called by grace to be His witnesses to the lost and dying, His grace involves both our serving and suffering. Still, He is presently with us, in the midst of our suffering, the Guarantor of our victory in what He has called us to accomplish in His Name, for His glory and by the power of His Spirit! And there is peace in that.
Love you all! Dig in!
Today’s psalm begins a collection of 15 psalms known as the “Songs of Ascent.” They are the songs (Psalms) that were sung on the journey to worship in Jerusalem. 3 times a year Jewish men, commanded by God, ascended to (returned to) Jerusalem to worship - Passover, Pentecost, and the Festival of Booths. They reflected on their pilgrimage, as they went to worship, much like we reflect on Gods goodness as we show up to worship on Sunday.
Conflict, and suffering will continue this side of heaven (John 16:33, John 15:20). It’s a tool to discipline and correct us (Hebrews 12:4-11), to stretch, test, grow and mature us (James 1:2-5). Through it all, our humble, repentant, obedient response glorifies Him… or at least it should.
These Songs of Ascent reminds us that there is Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). He is never far from us (Hebrews 13:5), on the contrary - it is in the conflict that He often moves biggest.
Even if we are unjustly persecuted, we always have an advocate(1 John 2:1), Who also prays for us. And even though we cannot see Him, He has promised never to leave or forsake us. (Psalm 23, Hebrews 13:5)
So, while we are called by grace to be His witnesses to the lost and dying, His grace involves both our serving and suffering. Still, He is presently with us, in the midst of our suffering, the Guarantor of our victory in what He has called us to accomplish in His Name, for His glory and by the power of His Spirit! And there is peace in that.
Love you all! Dig in!
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