Is humility so important that if we miss it in our youth, God designed it to be among life’s last great lessons in old age? Let’s begin in Psalm 131.
A Song of Ascents. By David. (WEB)
Are pride and arrogance something we left behind in our youth? Were we like many young people, know-it-alls? Has age humbled us? Is this why people tend to vote in unwise people who tout popular simplistic solutions, whereas wise people may state unpopular truths?
Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. (Ps 131:1 NASB)
Have we become quiet and calm like many in old age, who have learned that the world really does not have any answers, but only God does? Have we learned life’s last great lesson, the humility of a child content in God’s hands?
But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. (Ps 131:2 NIV)
As we age, do we realize that there is no hope in this body or this world, but our only real hope is in the Lord?
O Israel, hope in the Lord From this time forth and forever. (Ps 131:3 NKJV)
What advice does James give about the necessity of humility?
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (James 4:6-10 NLT)
Is humility so important that if we miss it in our youth, God designed it to be among life’s last great lessons in old age? You decide!
God's Kindness (Ps 130)
Has God shown generous kindness to the faithful under both old and new covenants? Let’s begin in Psalm 130
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Have we ever been so far down in life and desperate and yet still with faith enough to pray, and it felt like a request from the depths?
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (Ps 130:1-2 NIV)
Was God the same forgiving God even under the old covenant?
If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. (Ps 130:3-4 NKJV)
Is God still the same Lord that we can count on Him, put our hope in Him? Do we long for this Lord?
I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. (Ps 130:5-6 NLT)
Can we all hope in God, because there is loving kindness with Him? How will He redeem a sinful people from their sins?
Israel, hope in Yahweh, for there is loving kindness with Yahweh. Abundant redemption is with him. He will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Ps 130:7-8 WEB)
Is it easy to be judgmental in our churches, to be unkind to others, and forget how generous, tolerant, patient and kind God has been to us?
So every single one of you who judge others is without any excuse. You condemn yourself when you judge another person because the one who is judging is doing the same things. We know that God’s judgment agrees with the truth, and his judgment is against those who do these kinds of things. If you judge those who do these kinds of things while you do the same things yourself, think about this: Do you believe that you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you have contempt for the riches of God’s generosity, tolerance, and patience? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is supposed to lead you to change your heart and life? (Rom 2:1-4 CEB)
Has God shown generous kindness to the faithful under both old and new covenants? You decide!
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Have we ever been so far down in life and desperate and yet still with faith enough to pray, and it felt like a request from the depths?
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (Ps 130:1-2 NIV)
Was God the same forgiving God even under the old covenant?
If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. (Ps 130:3-4 NKJV)
Is God still the same Lord that we can count on Him, put our hope in Him? Do we long for this Lord?
I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. (Ps 130:5-6 NLT)
Can we all hope in God, because there is loving kindness with Him? How will He redeem a sinful people from their sins?
Israel, hope in Yahweh, for there is loving kindness with Yahweh. Abundant redemption is with him. He will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Ps 130:7-8 WEB)
Is it easy to be judgmental in our churches, to be unkind to others, and forget how generous, tolerant, patient and kind God has been to us?
So every single one of you who judge others is without any excuse. You condemn yourself when you judge another person because the one who is judging is doing the same things. We know that God’s judgment agrees with the truth, and his judgment is against those who do these kinds of things. If you judge those who do these kinds of things while you do the same things yourself, think about this: Do you believe that you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you have contempt for the riches of God’s generosity, tolerance, and patience? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is supposed to lead you to change your heart and life? (Rom 2:1-4 CEB)
Has God shown generous kindness to the faithful under both old and new covenants? You decide!
Zion (Ps 129)
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!
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!
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