Why is a hill in Jerusalem more significant prophetically than the world’s tallest mountains? Let’s begin in Psalm 129.
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
As this Psalm looks back on national woes that Israel has survived, do we look back on life’s storms that we have weathered? Did the Psalmist call severe national suffering being plowed by long furrows?
Since my youth they have often attacked me—let Israel say—Since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not prevailed against me. Plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long. The Lord is righteous; He has cut the ropes of the wicked. (Ps 129:1-4 HCSB)
Did this Psalm pray that those who hate Zion wither like grass on a roof? Does it also picture the short term success of God’s enemies? Does such suffering bring hope of repentance and restoration? Does Zion picture God’s rule over the nations?
Let all who hate Zion be turned away and be ashamed. May they become like a tuft of grass on a roof top, that withers before it takes root—not enough to fill one’s hand or to bundle in one’s arms. And may those who pass by never tell them, “May the Lord’s blessing be upon you. We bless you in the name of the Lord.” (Ps 129:5-8 ISV)
If a lively stone is one easily worked by a master stone mason, are we malleable in God’s hands? Who is the cornerstone from whom all other stones in a building are laid?
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (1 Pet 2:5-6 KJV)
When Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey, what was proclaimed to Zion’s daughter?
And this took place in order that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Lowly, and mounted on a donkey, And on a colt, the foal of a pack animal.’” (Mat 21:4-5 LSB)
What wonderful and mysterious future is prophesied about Mount Zion?
Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to learn the song except the 144,000 who had been purchased from the earth. (Rev 14:1-3 NASB)
Why is a hill in Jerusalem more significant prophetically than the world’s tallest mountains? You decide!
Blessed (Ps 128)
How can we be blessed not just for a moment but for eternity? Let’s look at Psalm 128.
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Where do our blessings begin? Does fear have a moral meaning, reverential awe towards God?
Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways. (Ps 128:1 WEB)
What is the most important thing in life that God could bless us with, riches, power, status or family?
You will definitely enjoy what you’ve worked hard for—you’ll be happy; and things will go well for you. In your house, your wife will be like a vine full of fruit. All around your table, your children will be like olive trees, freshly planted. That’s how it goes for anyone who honors the Lord: they will be blessed! (Ps 128:2-4 CEB)
Is living long enough to see our grandchildren one of the greatest blessings God could give us in this life? The word “prosper” here has nothing to do with money, as our culture thinks, but everything to do with gladness, goodness, and joy.
I pray that the Lord will bless you from Zion and let Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live long enough to see your grandchildren. Let's pray for peace in Israel! (Ps 128:5-6 CEV)
Does fearing God mean being afraid because we are so imperfect or a reverent faith in God and His grace? Thankfully we are not saved as a result of good works, because we would all fail, but are we created in Christ Jesus for the good works of a Christian life well lived?
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10 ESV)
How can we be blessed not just for a moment but for eternity? You decide!
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Where do our blessings begin? Does fear have a moral meaning, reverential awe towards God?
Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways. (Ps 128:1 WEB)
What is the most important thing in life that God could bless us with, riches, power, status or family?
You will definitely enjoy what you’ve worked hard for—you’ll be happy; and things will go well for you. In your house, your wife will be like a vine full of fruit. All around your table, your children will be like olive trees, freshly planted. That’s how it goes for anyone who honors the Lord: they will be blessed! (Ps 128:2-4 CEB)
Is living long enough to see our grandchildren one of the greatest blessings God could give us in this life? The word “prosper” here has nothing to do with money, as our culture thinks, but everything to do with gladness, goodness, and joy.
I pray that the Lord will bless you from Zion and let Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live long enough to see your grandchildren. Let's pray for peace in Israel! (Ps 128:5-6 CEV)
Does fearing God mean being afraid because we are so imperfect or a reverent faith in God and His grace? Thankfully we are not saved as a result of good works, because we would all fail, but are we created in Christ Jesus for the good works of a Christian life well lived?
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10 ESV)
How can we be blessed not just for a moment but for eternity? You decide!
Unless the Lord Builds (Ps 127)
Who do we rely on to provide for our homes? Can the idol of covetousness cause unnecessary anxiety? Let’s begin in Psalm 127.
A Song of Ascents. By Solomon. (WEB)
If we build anything on human effort alone or by idolizing the things of the world, is it all in vain? Who should our lives be built upon?
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Ps 127:1-2 NIV)
Is Solomon confessing that his apostasy into idolatry late in life was a vain pursuit, losing his children most of his kingdom, his heritage? Is our world an idol to us? Is a faithful family heritage an answer from God to empty jobs and meaningless, idolatrous pursuits?
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. (Ps 127:3-5 NKJV)
Can anxiety become an idol? What priorities can help us overcome worldly worries?
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Mat 6:28-33 NLT)
Who do we rely on to provide for our homes? Can the idol of covetousness cause unnecessary anxiety? You decide!
A Song of Ascents. By Solomon. (WEB)
If we build anything on human effort alone or by idolizing the things of the world, is it all in vain? Who should our lives be built upon?
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Ps 127:1-2 NIV)
Is Solomon confessing that his apostasy into idolatry late in life was a vain pursuit, losing his children most of his kingdom, his heritage? Is our world an idol to us? Is a faithful family heritage an answer from God to empty jobs and meaningless, idolatrous pursuits?
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. (Ps 127:3-5 NKJV)
Can anxiety become an idol? What priorities can help us overcome worldly worries?
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Mat 6:28-33 NLT)
Who do we rely on to provide for our homes? Can the idol of covetousness cause unnecessary anxiety? You decide!
Back from Exile (Ps 126)
Have we ever been in exile for a time, from family, from church, sick, deployed or ostracized? How did it feel coming back? Let’s begin in Psalm 126.
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
When Israel returned from national subjugation and captivity, perhaps the Babylonian exile, what was the atmosphere like? When we return to God out of our own Babylonian exile in the world, what is on our heart?
When the Lord brought back Zion’s exiles, we were like dreamers. Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues formed joyful shouts. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The great things that the Lord has done for us gladden us. (Ps 126:1-3 ISV)
When we are in trouble, be it national disaster or personal catastrophe, do we look to the Lord?
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps 126:4-6 KJV)
In her prayer, often called the Magnificat because that is one of the first words in Latin, did Mary sing about God’s rescue of His people?
And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty-handed. He has given help to His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, Just as He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever. (Luke 1:50–55 LSB)
Whether our trials are national or individual, what does Paul encourage us to do?
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Gal 6:8-10 LSB)
Have we ever been in exile for a time, from family, from church, sick, deployed or ostracized? How did it feel coming back? You decide!
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
When Israel returned from national subjugation and captivity, perhaps the Babylonian exile, what was the atmosphere like? When we return to God out of our own Babylonian exile in the world, what is on our heart?
When the Lord brought back Zion’s exiles, we were like dreamers. Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues formed joyful shouts. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The great things that the Lord has done for us gladden us. (Ps 126:1-3 ISV)
When we are in trouble, be it national disaster or personal catastrophe, do we look to the Lord?
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps 126:4-6 KJV)
In her prayer, often called the Magnificat because that is one of the first words in Latin, did Mary sing about God’s rescue of His people?
And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty-handed. He has given help to His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, Just as He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever. (Luke 1:50–55 LSB)
Whether our trials are national or individual, what does Paul encourage us to do?
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Gal 6:8-10 LSB)
Have we ever been in exile for a time, from family, from church, sick, deployed or ostracized? How did it feel coming back? You decide!
Abiding Forever (Ps 125)
If we trust in the Lord, are we like Mount Zion, abiding forever? Let’s look at Psalm 125.
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
In a world of shifting cultures, what is the one thing that cannot be moved?
Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people From this time forth and forever. (Ps 125:1-2 NKJV)
Do we pray for godly leaders in our land or as a sinful nation do we get the bad leaders that we deserve?
The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. (Ps 125:3 NLT)
Do we pray for those who are upright in their hearts, that God would bless them in the world?
Do good, Yahweh, to those who are good, to those who are upright in their hearts. (Ps 125:4 WEB)
What are the consequences for those who choose evil over good? What do we choose? Do we pray for peace?
But as for those people who turn to their own twisted ways—may the Lord march them off with other evildoers! Peace be on Israel! (Ps 125:5 CEB)
Is there another greater Mount Zion that the hill in Jerusalem only symbolizes?
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (Heb 12:22-24 ESV)
How are those who trust in the Lord like the city of the living God, which cannot be moved, but abides forever?
My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. (John 10:27-30 HCSB)
If we trust in the Lord, are we like Mount Zion, abiding forever? You decide!
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
In a world of shifting cultures, what is the one thing that cannot be moved?
Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people From this time forth and forever. (Ps 125:1-2 NKJV)
Do we pray for godly leaders in our land or as a sinful nation do we get the bad leaders that we deserve?
The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. (Ps 125:3 NLT)
Do we pray for those who are upright in their hearts, that God would bless them in the world?
Do good, Yahweh, to those who are good, to those who are upright in their hearts. (Ps 125:4 WEB)
What are the consequences for those who choose evil over good? What do we choose? Do we pray for peace?
But as for those people who turn to their own twisted ways—may the Lord march them off with other evildoers! Peace be on Israel! (Ps 125:5 CEB)
Is there another greater Mount Zion that the hill in Jerusalem only symbolizes?
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (Heb 12:22-24 ESV)
How are those who trust in the Lord like the city of the living God, which cannot be moved, but abides forever?
My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. (John 10:27-30 HCSB)
If we trust in the Lord, are we like Mount Zion, abiding forever? You decide!
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