Read Psalm 122
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Our feet are standing
in your gates, Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up—
the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord
according to the statute given to Israel.
5 There stand the thrones for judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
8 For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Go Deeper
After a long pilgrimage, the Jewish people were at the gates of their beloved Jerusalem. The temple in Jerusalem would be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant and the throne of King David. With glad hearts, they said: “Let us go to the House of the Lord!” What a glorious time this must have been as they celebrated the priestly worship of God in the temple, as well as the kingly reverence of God at the throne of David. Their long pilgrimage had ended and it was time to gather for worship in the “House of the Lord”.
The past couple of years have taught us many things, but one of the most notable is the importance of worshipping corporately alongside other believers. We know the church is not a building, but the assembly of God’s people gathered together. There is something undeniably powerful about gathering with the body of Christ for worship, prayer, fellowship, communion, baptisms and preaching.
Since Christ ascended back to Heaven, the body of Christ (His church) has gathered regularly for preaching, prayer, fellowship, communion, confession, and songs. It’s why Old Testament scholar Derek Kinder said; “What Jerusalem was to the Israelites, the Church is to the Christian.” Or in the words of 14th Century theologian Martin Luther: “Our Jerusalem is the Church and our temple is Christ. Wherever Christ is preached and the sacraments are rightly administered, there we are sure God dwells and there is our temple, our tabernacle, our cherubim, and our mercy seat. For there, God is present with us by His Word.”
The good news for the church today is Jesus is the true King. He reigns in His holy temple, full of glory and honor, and is worthy of our praise. May we gather as the people of God each week with our churches, lifting our voices in song and prayer, receiving communion, celebrating baptisms, hearts filled with the Holy Spirit, and minds renewed by the preaching of the Word.
Questions
- Gathering for worship each week is such a privilege and freedom we have in Christ. What aspect of gathered worship do you cherish the most?
- How would you describe the difference between a weekly small group and the weekly assembly of God’s people? Why are they both so important to our spiritual worship and discipleship?
- Have you ever found yourself going through the motions during a Sunday gathering? How can you prevent your heart from treating it as just part of your weekly routine?
Pray This
Father, thank you for the freedom and ability to gather together with the body of Christ to lift high your name. We repent for the times we have gone through the motions or treated it as a box to check. Help me center my heart on you. Thank you for your Church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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2 thoughts on “Psalms of Ascent: Psalm 122”
We’ve been blessed to worship with HCBC for 25 years. Through this time we’ve experienced challenges and changes, but most of all seen God’s favor rest upon this body. What I cherish most is that everything we do is gospel driven and Christ centered, that we intentionally live out our mission statement of “helping everyone follow Jesus by engaging the lost, equipping the saints, and empowering members for service.” Gathering each week is my sweet spot. I love the faces of all ages gathering to worship together. The God given, God honoring talents of those in leadership is astounding. The humility they exhibit is exemplary as they always point us to Jesus. I’m blown away by the generosity of the people who genuinely care for one another. I’m forever changed, encouraged and honored to share life with this body, a privilege I don’t take lightly.
Gathering at HC is a humbling experience, and a glimpse of what heaven will be like. All of God’s people worshipping together, taking our secular robes off (titles) and become transparent in front of our Father. The authenticity of the people and their hearts for Jesus and others refreshes my soul. I am encouraged to walk locked armed with this body of believers. All Glory to God!