Psalms 120-134 are “Songs of Ascents.” They were used as “Calls to Worship” as the worshipers walked up Mount Zion to the Temple for worship. We’re told several were of King David and one of King Solomon. Most have no stated author. While the psalms are quite different, each one focuses on some aspect of the LORD and His presence and work in our lives. The purpose was to prepare the worshipers to come into His presence.
In Psalm 120, the psalmist focuses on preparing his “lips” or words to worship the LORD. He asks the LORD to keep him from lying lips or deceitful words. He also focuses on peace, and asking the LORD to make that his focus, because he lives among those who focus on war. We see how this would prepare a people for worship, because until we are focused on the LORD, His peace and truth, we will be distracted from worshiping Him fully.
In Psalm 121, the psalmist looks to the hills, and asks, “Where does my help come from?” The short answer: The LORD. He goes on to say the LORD will protect us and watch over us in every circumstance. What assurance for those who come together to worship the LORD–He is worthy of our worship and praise!
In Psalm 122, King David affirms Jerusalem as the place of worship for all the tribes of Israel. He calls for us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, which is the “home” of the LORD. This city was central to worshiping the LORD, and its welfare is the focus of this psalm of ascents.
In Psalm 123, the psalmist compares the LORD to the master of a slave, the mistress of a servant, and cries out to the LORD for mercy and protection, because the people have been oppressed. This brief psalm reminds us of our position as we come before the LORD–He is the King, the LORD, the master, and we are His subjects, His servants. While Jesus has redeemed us from sin, and told us we are His friends, we are still servants of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. As we remember that, we will be better prepared to serve Him.
In Psalm 124, King David, focuses on the LORD as our protector and deliverer. If He had not been with us, we would have been trapped. But the fantastic news is: He is with us, and so we are free in Him!
As we turn to Luke 5, let’s focus on the first event recorded by Luke: Jesus using the fishing boats of Peter and Andrew, James and John as a “pulpit” from which to teach the crowds. After the teaching ended, Jesus called on Peter to go out into the lake and let down his nets for a catch. Peter was the fisherman and Jesus the rabbi. Peter “knew” fishing was best done at night. He told Jesus as much. This was the middle of the day. “But,” he obeyed Jesus. Let’s focus on that single word: “But.” How often in our lives we have done things our way and the result has not been what we expected, or “knew” would happen. We didn’t get the results we expected in our work, or in a relationship, or even inside ourselves. We have been in control and worked diligently. Then Jesus speaks in our hearts and offers a command that makes no sense. It is the opposite of what we would have done. The key in that moment is will we say, “I have done it my way, the ‘right’ way, and obtained no results, but I will do what you say.”? That is the moment when our faith grows. That is the moment when blessing begins. After all, until we trust Jesus with our lives, to know what’s best for them, we don’t follow Him. Peter agreed to Jesus’ command, and the ultimate result was he and his three partners became Jesus’ first four disciples!