Text: Psalm 121:1-8
Every year each Israelite male was required by the Lord to make three pilgrimages to Jerusalem; for Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (see Exodus 23:14-17, 34:22-24; and Deuteronomy 16:16-17). As Israel’s borders grew it became very difficult to make these lengthy journeys, and so it was customary for the people from the outlying areas to go Jerusalem only once a year. The Law did not require women and children to make this arduous trip, however in many devout households all family members would go. You may remember that the Lord Jesus went on one of these pilgrimages when he was a young boy (see Luke 2:41-51). The route to Jerusalem could be filled with adventure and danger. But, when the hills of Jerusalem came into view the pilgrim’s hope would rise to the point of great expectation and joy! In this Psalm there are lessons for each of us—in how we deal with adversity, in how we prepare to worship our God, and in how the Lord keeps us safe throughout the pilgrimage we all make to the heavenly Jerusalem.
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2009/mp3/2009_9_13_I_Lift_Up_My_Eyes.mp3[/podcast]