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April 20th
Our Bible reading today is in the “Ascent” Psalms once again...Ps. 121, 123-125, 128-130.
Psalms 120-134 are called Songs of Ascent. The Jewish people, on their pilgrimage to the heights of Jerusalem, 2700 ft, would sing these sonnets together. Four are attributed to David, one to Solomon, and the rest are unknown. This string of songs seems to begin with the people far away from Jerusalem...as far as 80 miles between Jerusalem and Eastern Syria.
Ps 120 begins with the words “my distress”. Distress from lying lips Distress from sharp arrows and burning coals of the broom tree. These pilgrims had experienced war...and were looking for peace. Remind you of someone?
Isaiah prophesied concerning the Messiah’s birth...Jesus’ birth...(in chapter 9:6...)” For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest upon his shoulders...and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Looking for peace of soul and mind? Jesus...“that’s” who He is...not just for heaven...but for every day!
The songwriter of Ps 121 begins with an explanation of where his help comes from. He uses an everyday experience in the life of God’s people living in the valleys and plains of Israel. They were easy prey for the marauders east of the Jordan. So those Israelites learned to evacuate their homes and villages and hide in the mountains that were parallel to them. When the raiders were detected by gatekeepers or watchmen...the people headed for the hills.
These people sang songs about raising their eyes to the hills around them...the place from which their help came from. They sang about “longing” to be in those high places away from cruel intruders and the fear of loss and death. And so from this very real everyday life experience, the Israeli pilgrims were reminded to lift up their eyes beyond the hills. All the way to their Lord... who made heaven and earth. He would be their help...far better than any cave on a mountain.
In John 8:24...Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I Am.” Ring a bell? Remember what God told Moses to tell the Israelite people when they questioned Moses’ authority?...when he showed up to deliver them from their Egyptian bondage?
“Tell them “I Am” sent you!” Tell them “I Am everything you need” sent you. Jesus was that I Am that sent Moses. Jesus would be where Moses’ help would come from. Jesus is where our help comes from...He is Everything we need...from here ...all the way to heaven. Can't get any better than that.
Now enjoy the rest of the songs...
