"Ascending to God's Presence" November 14 Readings: Ezekiel 35-36, Hebrews 7:1–10, Psalm 121, Proverbs 28:1

Today's Readings - Ezekiel 35-36, Hebrews 7:1–10, Psalm 121, Proverbs 28:1

Devotional 

The trek would start at the Pool of Siloam, at the lower end of Jerusalem, the City of David. As the pilgrims would come to worship, they would ascend on a wide road up past the ancient city, past the king's palace, toward the Temple Mount. They would walk up the steps in the picture here to the gate that led into the Temple area, to bring their offerings, worship God and make atonement for their sins.

And as they walked up the street, as they ascended the steps, they would sing psalms that declared the goodness of God. These are called the "Songs of Ascent" and they are found in Psalm 120-134.

The City of David is on a ridge below the Temple Mount and it is surrounded by hills all around. As the Israelites walked up Mt. Moriah, burdened with fears and cares, struggles and trials, they could gaze at those mountain peaks all around and they could ask:

I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2

They reminded themselves of the grace and mercy, the goodness and kindness of the God they worshiped. Whenever they had turned to them, no matter how great the need, he had been their help. The Creator was also their Savior. 

David's city was positioned among these mountains for protection and provision. Inside this southern slope of Mt. Moriah was the Gihon Spring, which would provide water for Jerusalem, even in times of drought or when enemies surrounded. The hills around the city were designed to protect them as well. Jerusalem provided natural protection and provision. But the Psalmist did not forget where the real help came from. 

Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.

The Lord protects you;
the Lord is a shelter right by your side.

The sun will not strike you by day

or the moon by night. Psalm 121:4-6

Hills can help, but God is the real shelter, the real protector. And as the Israelites walked up the mountain with the hills surrounding them, they reminded themselves of this. 

They were utterly dependent on the Lord. Sometimes they forgot that and suffered for it. But the Psalms of Ascent were designed to remind Israel that they had a good God, one who cared for them and one who would never leave or forsake them. 

The Lord will protect you from all harm;
he will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and goingboth now and forever. Psalm 121:7-8

We don't ascend the steps into the church singing psalms (maybe we should - a little pre-service spiritual preparation couldn't hurt), but we, like Israel, must remind ourselves daily that our God is good, faithful and that his love is everlasting. 

Father, I thank you for your goodness and grace, displayed every day. May I never forget who you are and what you have done for me. 

Think and Pray

Do you enter worship with a prepared spirit?
Do you recognize the God of Heaven as your source, your protector, your spring of life, or do you seek from the world what you ought to seek from God?