Psalm 135

 Psalm 135

If the Psalms of Ascent (121-134) were sung as God’s people approached worship, this Psalm is the call or beginning of worship. The Psalm begins with the reason to worship, then describes some of the great actions of God (vs. 6-14), the folly of idols (vs. 15-18), and concludes with the call to worship (vs. 19-21). The motivations or reasons to worship are applicable at all times and for all people.

First, in verse 3a, “The Lord is good”; worship always begins with understanding the character of God. Second, in verse 3b, worship is pleasant or lovely. The word carries the connotation of beautiful or fitting. There is a part of us that fits into the worship of God. Third, God has chosen us. Like Israel, God has selected us and remains with us through all the ups and downs of life. Fourth, the Lord is great (verse 5a); He is unlimited in power. When we stop to consider any aspect of God's power or creation, we can’t help but marvel. Fifth, God is unique; no other god can compare with Him. How could we not worship such a God? Notice how little the Psalm talks about our feelings and emotions. The less worship focuses on us, the better.

“Lord, help me turn my heart and my mind toward You and call me to worship. AMEN.”

Psalm 134

 Psalm 134

This, the last of the Psalms of Ascent, is more than a vague ‘good night’ greeting. It is a sort of the ‘changing of the guard’ ceremony or commissioning. The changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier is powerful and respectful. But its focus is to look back and to make sure nothing at the tomb changes or is disturbed. But this Psalm commissions something more; it looks forward.

The priest who served overnight would certainly guard the temple but also “serve.” They would see to it that all was ready for the morning worship and sacrifices. Beyond their duties to serve, they would also worship God. In fact, we ought to say that in the midst of preparing for the morning sacrifices, they were engaging in worshipping the Lord.

Here is a lesson for us. We need to end the silly dichotomy of sacred and secular. All is the Lord’s, and we ought to worship Him in all we do. I once observed a team of ladies as they prepared the Lord’s Supper for their congregation. Rather than light and friendly banter and conversation, they offered this service to the church as if to God Himself, prayerfully and reverently. But it need not be for the worship gathering of the church. If I prepare coffee for a small group, I can worship God by praying for those who will enjoy the coffee.

“Lord, help me make every moment an occasion to worship You in service. AMEN.”

Psalm 133

 Psalm 133

This little psalm says so much, but we may miss it because the metaphors are unfamiliar to us. We may be familiar with the Lord’s heart for unity (John 17) and the horrors of division among God’s people. But the three symbols here are a little vague to us.

The anointing oil (v. 2) that was mixed or prepared was not to be used except for sacred occasions. It was sprinkled on the robes and on the man being ordained into the priesthood. There was only one occasion when God prescribed this liberal pouring out, and that was when Aaron was first anointed.

The dew of Mt. Hermon (v. 3) was so prolific that it is reported that in the morning, even during the dry season, the ground would be as wet as if it had rained all night. The runoff watered the valley where life-giving crops would grow. The cool air produced by the condensation could be felt for miles around on the breeze. 

So how do the themes of unity, anointing oil, and refreshing dew come together? They are all wonderful in themselves, but they are also harbingers of good things to come. Before there is good ministry, there is unity, anointing, and refreshing from the Lord.

“Lord, please move in Your church with unity, anointing, and refreshing so we can minister before You. AMEN.”

Psalm 132

 Psalm 132

This, like all of the Psalms, grows more wonderful in our hearts the more we consider it. It has three themes, the last of which includes us. Very likely it was written near the end of the exile. It looks back at the commitment of David to prepare a place for the Ark. It has a near-time hope of rebuilding a temple in Jerusalem. But its greatest promise is the fulfillment of David and the temple in Jesus Christ and the church. (Verses 11-18)

The problem with any temple is always geography. If there was a temple in Jerusalem, how could the poor manage to get there from the other side of the world on a regular basis? But the ‘spiritual David’ has made a temple not of stone and cedar but of His people. The heart of each Christian is the dwelling place of our God. Every Christian is a priest and is clothed with the salvation of Christ. The Tabernacle, the Temple, and the Second Temple were wonderful. But they pale in comparison to the grandeur of the temple that is the church.

“Help me, Lord, to appreciate how wonderful your church is. AMEN.”

Psalm 131

Psalm 131

This is a Psalm that we need to take to heart, perhaps more than ever before. In an age where we live in the echo chamber of social media, how many of us feel like we have to have an opinion on every subject? We listen to those with whom we agree and then mimic their words. But the psalmist has “quieted his soul.” He does this by not getting involved in matters that are outside of his lane.

That peaceful state is like a weaned child. A weaned child is more than one that is no longer bottle- or breastfed. It implies a certain level of independent capacity. Infants are very demanding. Toddlers require a close eye lest they do serious harm. There are the terrible twos and the tantrum threes. But somewhere along the line, a child grows to the point they don't come to Mom needing anything or demanding attention. They come because they want to be there. It's not ‘feed me,’ ‘change me,’ ‘entertain me,’ or ‘watch me.’ It is, ‘I find peace in you and just want to be with you.’ That is the sweet spot for children and in our walk with God.

“Help me, Lord, to quiet my soul and simply be with You. AMEN.” 

Psalm 130

Psalm 130

This magnificent song of salvation has its deepest and richest meaning in the life of the disciple. Most likely it was written about the end of the Babylonian captivity. It applies well to the sinner coming to the Salvation of Christ but can also apply to us as we wait for the return of Jesus.

Verses 1-4 provide for us a good picture of a penitent sinner searching for God's grace. Verses 5-6 show that heartfelt hope which only comes from an awareness of our sin and need. The phrase “more than watchmen for the morning” may be best illustrated for us by the liberation of the slaves in the British West Indies colonies in 1830. On August 1st of that year, 750,000 slaves were to be set free. On the night of July 31st the slaves gathered to worship, sing, and pray. They sent some of their number to hilltops to watch for the first rays of dawn and announce that the morning of freedom had come. We look for forgiveness and the coming of the Messiah far more than those slaves looked for the first ray of the morning sun.

“Come, Lord Jesus, come and set us at perfect liberty. AMEN.” 

Psalm 129

Psalm 129

This psalm, which was originally about the suffering of the exiles in Babylonian captivity, is seen by some as a reference to or a prophecy of the suffering of the church. There are a couple of key points in this psalm that will encourage us and prepare us.

First, persecution of the church is the norm for most of the church's history in most locations. The relative peace and freedom the church has enjoyed in the West is not the norm. Everywhere the church has been on the forefront of advancing the Gospel, it has had bitter persecution. “The plowers plowed my back” is likely a reference to the scars left by the whip. A harsh reality to this day for many believers. Second, the efforts of the enemy against the church will fail. Their best strategy would be to repent and convert to the faith. Third, the greatest blessing of God will ultimately be withheld from those who oppose the church. They will come to nothing like dry grass if they resist the church. Perhaps not now, but sooner or later.

“Lord bless the church as she suffers persecution. AMEN.”