SCRIPTURE: Psalm 120
OBSERVATION:
The songs of ascents were songs sung when the people made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, ascending the hills towards the city. Here the psalmist laments the fact that the land is filled with sinful, violent people, so contrary to the heart and spirit of God’s plan for Israel. The psalmist reminds himself as he journeys towards the temple that God will set things right. He will establish those who are peace-makers, who speak the truth in love, while those who lie and are for war will be punished.
APPLICATION:
We too should lament when the ‘church’ (those who ought to be Christ-followers, for peace and truth) sides with the violent and promotes injustice and falsehood in the name of civil religion. We too should lament when the ‘church’ is a far cry from what it should be. But more than lament, we need to strive to be what the church ought to be. No sense judging, criticizing or complaining unless I am diligent in seeking and serving the Lord (the uphill journey of following Jesus).
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for complaining about others in the church, while remaining lukewarm myself. Rekindle the fire in my heart for You, and help me to be a peace-maker, to speak the truth in love. Amen.
Our tongue is the most difficult part of our body to control. With it we praise the Lord our Creator and/or curse Him. Yet the Lord God can bridle the tongue. His people must speak the truth in love. I need to put myself under His protectiion. God is the Protector of His people from lying lips. The results of the falsehoods are foretold. I must be a peace seeker. As far as it depends upon me, I must live at peace with all man kind. I need to overcome evil with good. Help me Lord to walk in Your Sonshine each and every day.
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
in living echoes of thy tone;
as thou has sought, so let me seek
thine erring children lost and lone.