Jerusalem!

It was a big deal for people to travel to Jerusalem.  They had to travel far from their homes, no cars, planes, or trains.  Psalms 120-134 are thought to be pilgrim songs sung on the way to Jerusalem for the three annual feasts.  This Psalm was written by David.  

We are able to go to our Churches at least once a week, sometimes 3 or more. I found a model of the ancient temple in Jerusalem- Ancient Jerusalem Temple (link).  I love this stuff!  It makes things come to life.

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Psalms 122

You can really sense the joy and excitement of these pilgrimages.  They must've met up with old friends and seen family members from all over.  As Christians, we often have a rough time getting to Church, some say the devil tries to keep us in bed.  This is pretty inspiring.  And I do love to worship at Church, it's worth getting out of bed. : )   David dreamed of building God a temple, but because of sin, he had to let his son Solomon build it.

1 When they said, "Let's go to the house of God,"

my heart leaped for joy.

2 And now we're here, O Jerusalem,

inside Jerusalem's walls!

3 Jerusalem, well-built city,

built as a place for worship!

This is referring to the twelve tribes of Israel.  It kind of reminds me of all our denominations.  As long as Jesus is Lord, we are all one body.

4 The city to which the tribes ascend,

all God's tribes go up to worship,

To give thanks to the name of God —

this is what it means to be Israel.

5 Thrones for righteous judgment

are set there, famous David-thrones.

I've had this verse come to mind a lot over the past several months.  Then the news about our country trying to divide Israel came.  Now I understand why the prayer request kept coming.  It's a difficult situation, many of us are very confused.   Israel has been through so much suffering, and they are still God's chosen people- the first fruit.

6 Pray for Jerusalem's peace!

Prosperity to all you Jerusalem-lovers!

I was also a bit confused as to how this verse applies to those of us who have accepted Jesus' sacrifice.  Because when He was crucified the curtain separating man from God was torn.

Matt 27:51
51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split... 

And our bodies became the temple of the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
NKJV

So I looked it up on a Jews for Jesus web site to get their perspective : )  It turns out that verse 6 of this Psalm, requests all of us to pray for Jerusalem's peace and in return we will receive a blessing.  With the latest news, I pray for peace even if I don't receive a blessing.  Israel is mentioned throughout the Bible, including Revelation.  They still play a key role in Christianity.  On the web site, the author asked us to pray for all Jews everywhere and also Christians.  Actually, I think I'll pray for peace for Muslims too.

These words are so important, even today.  For all the nations.

7 Friendly insiders, get along!

Hostile outsiders, keep your distance!

8 For the sake of my family and friends,

I say it again: live in peace!

9 For the sake of the house of our God, God,

I'll do my very best for you.

THE MESSAGE