By Jamie Harms & Jaime Sherman
Today’s psalm was originally written by David to celebrate the physical pilgrimage to worship the Lord at the tabernacle at Mount Zion, but it’s fitting for us today even though we cannot gather corporately to worship the Lord together in a building. This is not an out-of-date song of celebration but one that invites us into intimate worship with the Lord regardless of our physical location. We, too, can celebrate that we are invited to enter into a sacred space where our eyes are rightly fixed upon Jesus — and the heavenly Jerusalem He is preparing for us. We declare, “You, O Lord, are worthy.”
122: Let Us Go to the House of the Lord
A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” 2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! 3 Jerusalem — built as a city that is bound firmly together, 4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! 7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” 8 For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.
Joy in Communion
In Psalm 122, we see the traveler getting excited about entering Jerusalem. He is with his people and his God. Why would it be important for God’s people to go to Jerusalem each year and not just stay home? Is there importance in worshipping with others? If so, what are some creative ways we can do this in a season of restrictions on our gatherings?
What was the traveler’s response to being in Jerusalem (verses 4, 6, 9)?
How can you respond in thankfulness and prayer as you remember what Christ did for you in Jerusalem on that Passover before Easter?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me find joy in being with you. Give me a thankful heart and make me a peacemaker, seeking the good of my companions for your sake. Help me find creative ways of doing this in a season of “social distancing.” Thank you that we can come before you because of Jesus and that we can intimately know you.
We can visit the Lord’s kingdom by a direct connection to Him by our prayer.
I enjoy doing that and “feeding “ my soul. As Brett said couple of days ago in a sermon, the first protestant preachers came out with a concept of God being present everywhere, not just in beautiful churches. The churches are houses of prayer and worship, but God’s Spirit is available to us anywhere we lift our voice (of thought) in prayer.
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Oh, that we we would grow in joy as we spend time with Him! I love these posts and the prayers at the end as well! Thank you.
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