We are also pilgrims. Our journey does not lead us to the earthly Jerusalem, but to heavenly Jerusalem. And we will count every step as blessing. Every step that leads us home, however hard the road may be, is a step that brings us closer to glory and joy. And while we make our journey, we will certainly pray for, and receive, help. But we will also bless the LORD. We will bless the servants of the LORD.
Read MoreAnd it is in these precise terms David describes the spiritual fellowship of fellow pilgrims. For we experience God’s presence and blessing in fellowship with other believers in ways not possible on our own. There is glory and joy in sharing our pilgrimage with one another.
Read MoreJesus is both the Temple and the Temple-builder. In Jesus, the honor of Temple-building and worship are ours. Psalm 132 is our song.
Read MoreIn this world we will bear the cross for a while. But Christ no longer wears the crown of thorns. He is now crowned with glory. So we, also, will one day exchange our sorrow for joy. And we will also know glory.
Read MoreThe Lamb is our shelter and refuge, our fortress and rock. And he who protects us is greater and mightier than all who threaten us. The mighty Savior will carry us through this tough world.
Read MoreWe are pilgrims. We will never be “at ease” in this world. We will be looked down upon. Do not think something strange is happening. Instead, look up to the Lord.
Read MoreBut our pilgrim life is both already/not-yet. We laugh. But we also cry. We carry the cross and live a life of self-denial. But we are also seated with Christ in his glory where no wants and needs are denied. What has your pilgrim life been like? Would you say you are overwhelmingly a person who lives in the “already”? Then your worship is a call to remember the “not-yet,” to bow before the suffering Lord and look upon his cross. Or would you say that you are overwhelmingly a person of “not-yet”? Then your coming to worship is a call to be comforted by the Lord who has overcome, who sit glorious over death, suffering, and tears.
Read MoreIndeed, our pilgrimage is also fraught with danger. We are hard pressed in every way, and we often meet stiff resistance. We stumble in many ways, and the far-off heavenly Jerusalem feels all but unreachable. That is what discouragement is. We lose heart in life’s many trials, and our hearts sink at the thought of pressing on.
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