Psalm 128

Read Psalm 128

“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!” The Almighty had a covenant with those who gathered together in the fear of the Lord. Those who not only worshiped Him but who also walked in His ways could expect that He would bring them great blessings. They would be able to live in the Promised Land and enjoy wonderful domestic blessings in a peaceful environment.

After centuries of Israel's covenant breaking, those who were traveling back to Jerusalem from distant lands knew too well that life in Canaan was not heaven on earth. Yet they came back to Jerusalem in obedience to the Word of the Lord. They held on to a God-given vision of a secure land where they could rejoice in the Lord. They believed that they would again feast together with loved ones who might be very far from Jerusalem or even departed from this world.

This vision of a bountiful and full life could only be secured by an all-powerful and merciful God. Only the Lord could raise the dead. Only the Almighty One could keep enemies far from their land. Only their God could give them new hearts that would be fully desirous of covenant faithfulness.

Jews and Gentiles who now call upon the Name of the Lord need to hold on to this vision of eternal wholeness even when it might seem that all hope of the good life is gone. A day will soon be here when “your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house.” In that day, “your children” will be with you again “around your table.”

Those who believe that Jesus has won for us the fullest covenant blessings of a better day need to speak words of faith to one another and receive our King's benediction as we gather together in worship. Our Lord is reigning from the heavenly Jerusalem. “The Lord bless you from Zion!” May He show us His kind provision both in this life and in the age to come. “May you see your children's children!” May the single man find his place in the household of God. Let the barren woman hear the good news that she is surely a part of a very large family. May all who are overwhelmed by the troubles of this world taste the blessings of the life to come as we sing together the songs of the faith.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Our God, we will walk in Your ways. The day is coming when all things will be right. You have granted us a glorious family in Zion. You will bring perfect peace upon Your church, and we will dwell securely with You forever.