Today we'll focus on Psalm 126, likely written after the nation of Israel returned from their captivity & exile in Babylon. The first three verses celebrate their restoration, the final three proclaim the joyful harvest to be gathered. Their dreams, prayers and hopes have become reality, as they returned to their homeland and the cherished city of Jerusalem. Their tears and prayers were sown, and the joyful harvest was their returning home.
Psalm 126
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Perhaps today finds you sowing with bitter tears as you struggle with difficult concerns. Yours may be tears of sickness or worry, of frustration or sadness. Trust in God's power to do what you can only dream today. Know that God is able to restore your fortunes, to carry you through your times of captivity & what seems like exile. By His terrible death on Calvary's cross, Jesus your Savior has already rescued you from captivity & exile of your sins! Jesus has turned those tears of repentance, shame and disappointment into your shouts of joy. Shout out today: "Thank You, Jesus, for saving me!" No, really. Right now, shout out loud!
Perhaps today you're sowing seeds of service to others, works of mercy and love done without notice, thanks or recognition. Be encouraged in your showing such mercy to others, finding joy in knowing Jesus' mercy to you is flowing onward to your brothers & sisters through your actions.
We are all captives, exiled in this earthly life, living in this "veil of tears". But we are not dismayed or defeated; our "shouts of joy" come from Jesus! He has set you free to live joyfully today, and He will bring you home to spend eternity in heaven with Him!
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Mark
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS Burton, Michigan
office: 810.744.1188
We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:
Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.
Soli Deo Gloria
"Restore us, O God, let Your face shine, that we may be saved!" Psalm 80:3
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