July 16
Read Psalms 120 -- 131
All male Jews who were physically able and ceremonially clean were required by the Law of God to go to Jerusalem three times each year (Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16).
With full confidence in the Lord's protection on the long, difficult, and dangerous journeys, the Israelite worshiper could sing: My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and earth. . . . The Lord is our Keeper. . . . The Lord shall preserve our going out and our coming in . . . for evermore (Psalms 121:2,5,8).
The psalms were sung by the Israelites throughout the day as they traveled toward Jerusalem to participate in the Feasts, sacrifices, and worship. Some of the Israelites who lived outside Israel may have traveled from one to three weeks to arrive in Jerusalem, but these events were always considered times of great joy. From the time they left home until the time they returned, they sang with assurance that the Lord was their faithful Watchman who would protect their homes and possessions during their absence. Day or night, God is never off duty. He . . . shall neither slumber nor sleep (121:4).
David was also led to say: I wait for the Lord . . . and in His Word I do hope (trust). . . . for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption (130:5-7). Israelites were taught to trust in the Lord for provisions and protection, as well as for forgiveness of their sins.
All of us are moving more quickly than we think toward the end of our opportunity to build up the Kingdom of God. David was inspired to foresee that time when the Messiah would rule in the city of peace, and he wrote: There are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the House of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. . . . Peace be within Your walls, and prosperity within Your palaces (122:5-7).
This cannot be a record of history, for David never set up thrones of judgment. This prophecy foretells the great and glorious reign of the Prince of Peace, when wars throughout the world will have ceased and Satan will be bound for a thousand years. Pilgrims will come from around the world to worship King Jesus, who is pictured as the Judge who will rule the world during His millennial reign of peace. And many people shall . . . say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob; 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 the last king of Israel was taken in chains to Babylon. And Israel is now living in the time which the prophet foretold: The children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice (Hosea 3:4). But the day will soon arrive when Israel's throne will be occupied by a descendant of David -- the Promised Messiah, the virgin-born Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath . . . chosen us . . . that we should be holy and without blame before Him (Ephesians 1:3-4).
Christ Revealed: As our Protector -- the One who shall preserve your going out and your coming in (Psalms 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 means record; 130:4 feared means reverenced with awe; 131:1 exercise means concern; too high for me means far beyond me.
Government Officials: Rep. Michael Bilirakis (FL), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), and Rep. Donald Payne (NJ) · BPM Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Pray for John and Sharon Harvey and Open Door Ministry International · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Ed Hofer · Country: Portugal (10 million) in western Europe · Major language: Portuguese · Limited religious freedom · 90% Roman Catholic; .75% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Remember, what is impossible with men is possible with God (Matthew 19:26).
Optional Reading: II Timothy 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:162,167