December 6, 2021
As Christians, you and I are miracles! Truly, when you consider the restorative process that salvation has brought to your life, to free you from the slavery of this world and to return you into the loving arms of your Creator, don’t you think of yourself as a miracle? If you and I were to remain in awe of our “miracle status” we would always be on fire for the Lord; but far too often we find ourselves getting bored and needing to be renewed. We want the initial “fire” back, or more than that, we want a future that is even greater.
In today’s Psalm, we are reminded that Israel felt the same as us. In verses 1-3, when the Lord brough the Israelites back to Jerusalem after being exiled, “it was like a dream”. There was so much joy and worship for the “amazing things the Lord has done for them”. It sounds like the excitement that you and I have felt and proclaimed about our Christian “miracle status” through our salvation. But then, in verse 4, we see Israel asked the Lord to “restore our fortunes” comparing their current city to a desert that needed to be renewed by streams. Again, it sounds like the renewal process that you and I seem to always need for our faith. When our faith gets stale, we need the renewing baptismal water of the Living Christ to flow through and over us. Finally, in verses 5-6, we see that the Israelites understand that the Lord is a rewarder of those who “plant in tears” as they return with the harvest. The Israelites waited with anticipated hope for the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. You and I now know the Savior, we have a personal and intimate relationship with Him, and we too are waiting on Him…but now for His Return. Thus, we must remain focused on living for Eternity right now, today and every day, because we know the end of the Book, Revelation, is a time of crying out and singing as we are a part of His Great Harvest that returns Home to Him.
Psalm 126 (NLT)
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for the gift of my salvation. As I continue to grow closer with You, please help me to remain on fire with the work of Your Holy Spirit. I do not want to grow board or stale in my faith. Help to guide my faith walk to stay renewed in You. I long for Your return, and I want to be ready, Lord. Help me to be ready. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.
Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant