Photo ©2015 Rebekah Hamblett ( V.1) Where could one find a more joyful invitation? Note the words, “with those.” Here there is the strength of fellowship. The strength of a group helps each individual in the group to be stronger; and joy, to be fulfilling, needs to be shared. Just as Israel in multitudes came to Jerusalem for the three great feasts of Passover, Firstfruits, and Booths, ever since Pentecost those who follow Jesus have banded together for instruction in Christ’s ways, for worship, for fellowship, and for doing the work of Christ’s Kingdom together. And we have Jesus’ promise that all of Satan’s most powerful attacks will never destroy the Church
(V.2) “Our feet are standing….” It was truly awesome for those groups of pilgrims from outlying areas to actually be standing in the Holy City, safely within her walls, invited to share in the great feast of celebration and worship. As they came together to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance in the Exodus, the con-quest of Canaan, and His continuing care throughout their history, so the church comes together to remember and celebrate our deliverance from sin at the cross and Jesus’ triumph over death, for Himself first, then for all who put their trust in Him. It follows then (v. 4, 5) that we offer Him our heartfelt praise and rejoice in His justice.
In regard to God’s judgments, Spurgeon comments, “To a true saint the throne is never more amiable than in its judicial capacity; the righteous love judgment, and are glad that right will be rewarded and iniquity will be punished.”
Verses 6-9 become a prayer for peace: “…peace within your walls….” The psalmist sees Jerusalem as secure within her walls, a place where the worshipers are safe from all dangers. Outside the walls there may be fear of violence, loneliness, hardship, etc., but inside is a place of peace, joy, and safety.
Today in our world there is much anxiety, unhappiness, want, loneliness and fear; but for all who trust in the Lord we have the promise “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1, 2). And Psalm 46 ends, “The LORD Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
- Dean Roth
(V.2) “Our feet are standing….” It was truly awesome for those groups of pilgrims from outlying areas to actually be standing in the Holy City, safely within her walls, invited to share in the great feast of celebration and worship. As they came together to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance in the Exodus, the con-quest of Canaan, and His continuing care throughout their history, so the church comes together to remember and celebrate our deliverance from sin at the cross and Jesus’ triumph over death, for Himself first, then for all who put their trust in Him. It follows then (v. 4, 5) that we offer Him our heartfelt praise and rejoice in His justice.
In regard to God’s judgments, Spurgeon comments, “To a true saint the throne is never more amiable than in its judicial capacity; the righteous love judgment, and are glad that right will be rewarded and iniquity will be punished.”
Verses 6-9 become a prayer for peace: “…peace within your walls….” The psalmist sees Jerusalem as secure within her walls, a place where the worshipers are safe from all dangers. Outside the walls there may be fear of violence, loneliness, hardship, etc., but inside is a place of peace, joy, and safety.
Today in our world there is much anxiety, unhappiness, want, loneliness and fear; but for all who trust in the Lord we have the promise “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1, 2). And Psalm 46 ends, “The LORD Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
- Dean Roth
Today pray for:
The Federated Church, Sheffield and their pastor Sean Quinn
South Hampton Baptist Church and their pastor Jeremy Pataro
The Federated Church, Sheffield and their pastor Sean Quinn
South Hampton Baptist Church and their pastor Jeremy Pataro
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