Bible Pathways - July 16, 2006

Psalms 120

In Today's Reading:

Prayer for deliverance from lying lips; sustaining power; prayer for the peace of Jerusalem; blessing of trusting God

The Law required all male Jews physically able and ceremonially clean to go to Jerusalem three times a year to participate in the seven feasts (Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16). With confidence in the Lord's protection on the journeys, the Israelite worshiper could sing: My help cometh from the LORD. . . . The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in . . . for evermore (Psalm 121:2,8).

The psalms were sung as they traveled toward Jerusalem to participate in the festivals (feasts), sacrifices, and worship. Even though some may have traveled as much as three weeks to arrive in Jerusalem, these were to be journeys of great joy. They sang with assurance that the Lord would protect their homes and possessions during their absence: Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep (121:4). The psalmist said: In His Word do I hope. . . . with Him is plenteous redemption (130:5,7). We too are taught to trust in the Lord for provisions and protection, as well as for forgiveness of our sins.

David was inspired to foresee that glorious time when the Messiah will reign in Jerusalem, when the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord (Revelation 11:15).

This prophecy foretells the reign of Christ: Many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go . . . to the House of the God . . . and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3).

Centuries have passed since this prophecy was first given, but the day will soon arrive when Israel's throne will be occupied by a descendant of David — the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Let all believers praise our loving Heavenly Father and echo the words of the Apostle Paul: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings . . . that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. . . by Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:3-5,7).

Christ Revealed:

As our Protector — the One who shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in (Psalm 121:8). By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9).

Word Studies:

130:3 mark =b> record; 130:4 feared =b> reverenced with awe; 131:1 exercise =b> concern; too high for me =b> far beyond me.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Michael Bilirakis (FL), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), Rep. Donald Payne (NJ), Rep. Michael Rogers (AL), and Rep. Tim Ryan (OH) · Country: Comoros (563,000) in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean Major languages: Shaafi Islam (Swahili dialect) and Malagasy Limited religious freedom 99.7% Muslim; .2% Roman Catholic/Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for your Christian friends (Philemon 1:4).

Optional Reading: II Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4