Text: Psalm 122
This psalm is about our attitude toward worship – particularly, the opportunities to assemble for worship. It describes worshiping in the temple (the house of the Lord) and going to Jerusalem. The parallel is to the assembly (where we gather) and the church (where the Lord placed His name). Let us notice some of the things this psalm teaches us that relates to worship and the church.
Assembling Is a Joyous Occasion
- This psalm is a “Song of Ascents” (collection of 15 psalms – Psalm 120-134) – generally recognized as songs sung by those ascending the road to Jerusalem to worship; this would happen three times a year (Deuteronomy 16:16); the psalm begins with an exclamation of joy over one mentioning the journey (v. 1)
- Today, worship is not something that is confined to Jerusalem (John 4:21) – it can be done anywhere; but wherever we gather for worship, we need to have the same attitude expressed by the psalmist
- Why is assembling for worship a joyous occasion? – it is an opportunity to worship God (John 4:21-24), study His word (Acts 20:7), assemble with brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25), escape the troubles of life (Revelation 21:4), and be reminded of the joys of heaven (Colossians 3:1-2)
Pray for the Church
- After describing the joy of going to “the house of the Lord,” the psalmist spoke of Jerusalem – the house of the Lord (temple) was the place where God’s people would gather for worship; Jerusalem was the city in which God placed His name (Deuteronomy 12:5-6; cf. 2 Chronicles 7:12); if the temple represents the place of worship, Jerusalem represents the church (cf. Acts 20:28; Romans 16:16)
- The psalmist talked about praying for peace – “peace of Jerusalem” (v. 6) to be free from attacks or threats from outside forces; “peace…within your walls” (v. 7) to have unity among those within the city
- The same potential threats exist for the church (Acts 20:29-30) – pray that we would be free from persecution (1 Timothy 2:1-4); pray for unity among the people of God (John 17:20-21) and work toward this (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Seek the Good of the Church
- The psalmist said he would seek the good of Jerusalem (v. 9) – more than just prayers or positive thinking; this would include actively doing good for the city
- We need to recognize the value of the church (Matthew 13:45-46) – it was purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28); we should pray for the church; but more than that, seek its good
- How do we seek the good of the church? – it requires our active involvement (Ephesians 4:16); assemble with the church (Hebrews 10:24-25), contribute to the work of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), help those who are in need (Acts 4:32-35), do what you are able to do as a part of the body (1 Corinthians 12:14-27), encourage the members of the church (Hebrews 3:12-13), represent the church well to the world (1 Peter 2:11-12)
Conclusion
- It is a joyous occasion to be able to come together with our brethren to worship God
- Let us do more than just worship – pray for the church and be active in the work God has given us
