Praising Scripture - Dec 25

Annual Bible Reading Plan:

ZEC.5-6
ROM.9

2024 31-Day Praising Day 25:

Praise God’s House (Psalm 122:1-9)
(Memory verses 1-3)

1 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2 Our feet have been standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem—built as a city
that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 There thrones for judgment were set,
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
“May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions’ sake
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.

Reflection:
This psalm, a Song of Ascents by David, was sung by Israelites as they journeyed to God’s house during the feasts. It beautifully expresses their love for Jerusalem and the house of the Lord. David’s heart was filled with joy when he heard the call: “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
On one hand, this joy stemmed from seeing God’s grace and steadfast love toward His people. Despite their failures and unworthiness, God remained faithful to His covenant, choosing Jerusalem as the dwelling place of His presence among them. On the other hand, when the people remembered their identity as a people set apart for God, they gladly bore the cost of traveling from all over Israel to Jerusalem for worship, sacrifice, and celebration during the feasts.
As they gathered in the holy city, they were “bound firmly together,” like a city that is well-constructed and unified. When the tribes ascended to the house of the Lord and praised His holy name in unison before His throne, it was a glorious and joyful scene! Hallelujah!
May our hearts be equally stirred to love God and His house, to bless one another, and to build together. Let us also pray earnestly for the church:
“May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!”