Psalm 123

We see the cross of Christ.

But as those who believe in the One who died there for us, we look beyond that one death to the fullness of life. We look to God, and to Jesus His Son, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, and won a glorious kingdom, where we have been made partakers of the joy of the Messiah.

We lift up our eyes and see, not a mocked king on a cross, but the Lion of Judah, who is enthroned forever in heaven. We look to Him to worship God through Him, but also to see what His every direction might be for us today. And we look for His steadfast love and abundant mercy toward us. We look as those who need forgiveness, and who find it in Him.

We were almost out of strength from looking down. We looked down at ourselves, our sins and our miseries. We looked down at our weakness and our shame. We looked down at this fallen world and wondered, “How long, O Lord?”

All that looking down almost brought us to the brink of despair. But He who is exalted in the heavens at the right hand of the Father told us to look up again to Him and live. He sent forth a river of life from heaven to refresh us. He called us to worship, and He received us into His heavenly love.

Others may give us scorn, because we see Him, and they don't. At least not yet.

Let them deride or pity for now if it has to be. We will glory in His Name.

And forgive them Lord. Show them the glory that will never fade away.