Midweek Lenten Sermon 3 -- (2024)
Psalms of Ascent • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Psalms 126-128
Psalms 126-128
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our Psalm for tonight is an enjoyable trio, which focuses on the joy that we have in Jesus Christ our Lord, and the joy that comes when God is present with his people especially after a period of long hardship. How it is the Lord that keeps the people of God safe, and how God blesses mankind through the gift of children that the world is able to continue moving forward. The people of God draw close to the Holy City full of joy.
Now Psalm 126, we believe to be written as the people of God returned home from their captivity. God had sent them into exile in Babylon because of their sins, but promised that He would bring them back after the land had enjoyed a sabbath rest, that the people had refused to grant. They had been taken away from the Holy City in chains with tears of sorrow, but the Lord promised that He knew the plans that He had for them, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 70 years later, 10 sabbath years, the people returned. What would our joy be like, to see again the city that our parents had spoken of, the place that God had given to our forefathers restored to us?
This is why they rejoice, for they are brought back and restored to the Kingdom that God had promised them, and they see it again with their own eyes. The tears that they had sown as they left the land, are now reaping shouts of joy at the city of their homeland bringing the harvest in with them.
The Father sent His Son into the creation to accomplish His will. Here in this land, Jesus sowed tears of sorrow, and was acquainted with grief as He went about the world. Seeing the sorrow and pain of people bound and held captive under sin. They will sing Jesus’ praises as He enters into the city Jerusalem, but what this really points ahead to His Christ’s ascension and coronation as He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For there before the throne of God the people of God that have been rescued and brought into their true and eternal promised land rejoice before the Throne of God, for Jesus has accomplished our salvation and won for us everlasting life.
Let us pray, Dear Heavenly Father, you restored the fortunes to Zion and filled your people with laughter and shouts of joy. May all the world see the great things that you have done for your people through the work of your Son, Jesus Christ. When we sow tears of sorrow, let us remember that will not forsake us forever nor forget us but we will enter heaven with great joy. in Jesus name. Amen.
Psalm 127, The Lord is the one who keeps the homes of Israel and all the world safe. If the Lord is not on your side, no matter how hard you fight, or what efforts you put forward, it will come to nothing. The watchman can be awake all night, but if it is the Lord’s will that the city or house fall, it will. This is why it is important that homes in particular on built on the foundation of the Lord. What does that mean? They are to be brought up and raised, for what is God seeking in the home? Godly offspring.
It is easy for us to get lost in the weeds of this life and seek to hold on to all the things that belong to our physical needs forgetting that we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto us. Quite often we neglect the spiritual matters in favor of attending to worldy things.
It should be no surprise that the world mistakes what children are. If you listen to them, a family is not as important as your career, children are more a hindrance to your success, than a blessing, but look at what the Psalm says. They are a heritage from the Lord! An inheritance and a treasure, our world today has become fixed upon success in the work place, but has forgotten the importance of family at home. When parents grow old, they have their children to help and support them, and this is why they shall not be put to shame.
Well how might this connect with Christ going to Jerusalem? If you read Ephesians 5, there you find that Jesus’ bride is the Church. Jesus is going to Jerusalem to save her, to sanctify her, to cleanse her by the washing of water and the word. In that passage speaks of the union of husband and wife, and the two becoming one flesh refers to Christ and the Church. We are the children of God for God desired godly offspring and so He sent His Son that we might be part of the Church and share in the treasures of heaven. God desired Godly offspring and so we are born again of water and the spirit into the Christian church, and the family of God where we are to be raised in godliness.
Let us pray, Dear Heavenly Father, you have given to us all that we have, and without you it would all come crashing down. Free us from the anxieties of this life when we seek our own will, and our own outcomes and instead grant us to the sleep that you give to your beloved. May we cherish children in our society, and in our lives, and encourage our society to treasure this gift as well. For they are heritage given from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Psalm 128, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. If you begin there you will find many blessings in this life. It doesn’t mean there won’t be trouble or trials, but you will find that there are blessings that come from God. For He provides for His people, and gives to them what they need at their proper time. These blessings extend not just to the individual but to the family as well. To the wife, the children, these are the blessings of God that are bestowed.
When you look at the 10 commandments, they are good right and proper, and by them a person is blessed. Think of the 10 commandments and how if you abide by them, what your life would be like? That you prioritized the creator of the Universe over your own desires, that you didn’t complain and grumble and use God’s name as a curse in this life, but instead called upon the Lord’s name when you were in need, and gave thanks to him for all that He has given to you. If you set aside a day to rest as the Lord did after making everything in 6 days, will life be better?
There is great blessing to be found in abiding by the Word of the Lord and walking in His ways. This is why in the New Testament Christians are encouraged to be guided by the Law of God, for it is not only good, but it also brings blessings in this life.
The reason Jesus was going to Jerusalem and following the Word of God was to fulfill all righteousness, that is to fulfill the Law for us. For the true blessing that we see come from Zion, from Jerusalem is prosperity in the Kingdom of God that has no end. There we shall gather at the table with the Lord on His holy mountain for all eternity.
Let us pray, Dear Father in heaven, teach us to fear you and walk in your ways. That we might receive the fruits of our labor and be blessed by you. Grant to families peace, may spouses cherish each other as Christ and the Church love and respect each other. May our eyes be fixed on the blessings that flow from your Holy City as Jesus goes forth to save us. In Jesus name. Amen.