SCRIPTURE: Psalm 122
OBSERVATION:
When this Psalm was written, going to the temple was the highlight, the highest level of experiencing God that was possible for the Jew at that time. It symbolized the fact that being united with God was the key to joy, peace, justice, unity, security and prosperity. Unfortunately the people mistook the physical building as the ultmate reality, instead of fellowship with God in love and obedience (see Jeremiah 7:3-11).
APPLICATION:
In the new covenant with Jesus, we do not have a temple – the church is not the Lord’s sanctuary. We are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:21-22). God is less concerned about how we treat the church building than we are how we treat our bodies, or how we treat Him with our lives. Our union with Christ is the key to joy, peace, justice, unity, security and prosperity. Our greatest joy can be from abiding in His presence, fellowshiping with Him in praise and prayer, and walking with Him through the details of our lives. The way we extend peace to others is by allowing His peace to flow through us.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to walk with You, and to experience the psalmists’ joy in being with You. Help me to be the peace, not just wish it from others. Help me to experience Your peace within me, and help me to extend it to others. Amen.
As the people of old went to the temple of the Lord to praise Him, we today need to praise Him at all times and everywhere since He dwells in us and among us. As part of His family I need to pray and praise His name among His family joyfully and in unity. God’s people dwelling together in unity for the sake of the Lord. That I must seek, that we dwell together as one in the Lord! I must do my utmost for His kingdom here and now! Then I too will be secure and safe since the Lord God is my refuge and strong tower. Lord help me to seek You daily and extend the peace that only You are able to give to all those around me. Use me as an instrument of Your peace.
Lord make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.
O divine master grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive-
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it’s in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.