Psalms of Ascent: 128

 

Psalms 120 – 135 are a series of 15 Psalms sung by pilgrims either on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the festivals or at the festivals themselves. Together they are called the "Psalms of Ascent". 

Over the next several days, I want to explore some of the ways these ancient Psalms sung by pilgrims many years ago relate to us today. 

These Psalms speak of hope, passion, future dreams, desire and trust while on a journey that reminds them, and us, of past memories, present sufferings and future promises. 

The Psalms of Ascent point us to the hope that is present in the midst of whatever journey you are on.

Psalm 128 NLT
How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
4 That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace!

Can you picture yourself as part of a group of people who have been travelling a long distance to Jerusalem for a particular festival. As you hike that pilgrimage through the wilderness, you sing Psalms like this one. 

You lift your voice, asking God for his blessing your life and on others in the group. Who doesn’t want the blessing of God upon their life? 

Then, in the distance, as you lift your eyes to the horizon, you see a city - the city - the city of your ancestors – a city you would have dreamed of seeing, and now there it is before you - Jerusalem. I imagine tears would have flowed, and voices would be raised even louder in song.

Then as your voices joined together in that call for the blessing of God, the Psalm which was sung reminded everyone what the true purpose of a blessing really is. God’s blessing does not fall selfishly upon you for your sake alone. With the pilgrim’s eyes upon Jerusalem, there is the reminder that we are not to keep the ‘blessing,’ but pass it on to others - to the community, the city, and the nation.

The blessing of God is never for me alone. Psalm 128 reminds us that the blessing of God are not just a series of "bless me" prayers, or a passive relying on God, but the blessings of God are to bless others. My trust in God is not something kept closely for me but is given freely to the community around me. This Psalm reminds me the heart of Christianity includes welcome, hospitality, caring for and blessing others. 

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the many times that I have prayed for you to bless me, and I have forgotten that your blessings flow into my life as a conduit for others. Make me mindful of those around me that need my generosity and love. Open my eyes to the opportunities that you place before me and give me the courage and bravery to be a blessing to others. I am so thankful for your blessings, Lord, and for your wisdom as to how I can bless others. Amen.