Psalm 126 is from a group of Psalms labeled "Song of Ascents". Most scholars agree that the songs of ascents were songs sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem bringing their praise and sacrifices to the Lord for various feasts and festivals. It is an ascent because one "goes up" to Jerusalem, and also "goes up" within the temple itself.
What struck me as I read Psalm 126 was how many times the words we, our, they, them, and us occur. In a psalm of 6 verses, these words appear 9 times. This is a psalm in the plural - the people of God. This is a song of ascents. We do not ascend to the holy city alone; we're in this together. We need one another, not because God is not sufficient in Himself for us, but because He desires to perfect us by causing us to ascend together, relying on one another's prayers, encouragements, corrections, faith, and love. Community life is a privilege and a blessing, sharing our life together, ascending unto the New Jerusalem as pilgrims in the earth, the body of Christ.
"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." - Psalm 126:4
No comments:
Post a Comment