PODCAST
A Song for the Journey
October 25th, 2020
Psalm 121:1-8
Fifteen of the Psalms (120-134) are designated, “A Song of Ascents.” They are pilgrimage songs, traditionally sung by Jews on their way to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The journey could be perilous. Bandits often laid in wait to rob worshippers of their offerings. For this reason, pilgrims often traveled in large groups for safety. Nevertheless, their eyes constantly scanned the surrounding hills looking for danger.
No doubt it was encouraging to sing with other pilgrims, “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). One can imagine the song being sung in two parts, a kind of call and response. One group would sing the first phrase, the second by another, and so on. The sound of their praise would fill the valleys and echo off the hills.
In the end their security rested in the Lord’s hands, and so does ours. We are all on a journey. Those of us who follow Jesus on the narrow road are ascending toward our heavenly home. We are assured, “[T]he LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8).
Author: Duane Brush
