Over the course of history, different civilizations would build these huge walls so that they can keep their people within the limits. Most of the time, it was for military purpose so that they can have a sense of defense. Over in China, they have what’s called The Great Wall of China. It was primarily used for military purposes and keeping their people within the boundaries of the wall. One of the main focuses is that the purpose of the wall is mainly for defense rather than offense.
In today’s passage, the psalmist David is writing a song for pilgrims who are ascending to Jerusalem. In verse 1, he says that he was glad when they said “Let’s us go to the house of the Lord.” I always feel great when I have the opportunity to go to the house of the Lord. When we go to the house of the Lord, it should be the opportunity for us to come together as one body. We come together to lift up our hearts in praises, pray to Him, and have fellowship with one another. During this particular psalm, David speaks about how the city of Jerusalem is well built. One thing that we need to understand is that the church is not defined by the building. It is defined by the people who are occupying the building. One pastor describes the church as a hospital, not hospice. A hospital is where people can go to be treated while hospice is where people would go to just be satisfied.
Psalm 122 (NLT Translation)
1
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2
And now here we are,
standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3
Jerusalem is a well-built city;
its seamless walls cannot be breached.
4
All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—
make their pilgrimage here.
They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord,
as the law requires of Israel.
5
Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,
the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6
Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
May all who love this city prosper.
7
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls
and prosperity in your palaces.
8
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
“May you have peace.”
9
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful for You church. I’m thankful that we can go to the church so that we can be spiritually treated by the ultimate physician. I thank You that we can always turn to You for when we are in need of Your divine healing. We recognize that we are going to receive spiritual bruised and battered, but help us to not be in that place of despair. Help us to turn to You because we don’t need to book an appointment to see You. We can always go to You during times of difficulties.
In Jesus name, amen