Saturday, June 11, 2022

3 Points for Peace

 Read Psalm 120.

Though this psalm was written some 3000 years ago, it is remarkably relevant.  Songs of Ascents were sung by pilgrims as they journeyed up the mountain to Jerusalem for feast days.  While walking together, certain themes would be expressed through these prayer-songs.

The theme here is that the nation was threatened by enemies in the north.  Two are mentioned by name: Meshech in Asia Minor and Kedar in northern Arabia.  These were guilty of lying, deceit, and only wanting war against Israel.

No wonder the writer felt distress.  The prayer asks the LORD for deliverance from them (v.2) and for the destruction of them (vv.3-4).

Peace.  What a salve for distress!  What an encouragement for the future!  The plea for peace is based upon three key points. 

1. He knew the LORD would answer his prayer. (v.1)

2. He separated himself from those who hate peace. (v.6)

3. He committed himself for peace. (v.7)

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)

 

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