The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Psalm 126:1-3,
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
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"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
'The Lord has done great things for them.'
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy."
It has been thought that this psalm was written after the return of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon. Now, having returned and free to live in their homeland, their excitement is evidenced in their joy and laughter. "We were like men who dreamed"!
As I consider the season of joy these people experienced, I can't help but think of the similar experience we will all share in the resurrection. From the vantage point of eternal life, we will look back on the great tribulation of man's experience in this life-- suffering under God's judgment and condemnation, facing physical death and the wrath he will express on a world in rebellion to him-- and recognize with shear joy that "the Lord has done great things for us"!
In his great mercy and love he sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice that we might share in his inheritance as members of his family. In the riches of his grace he has made this available to us solely on the basis of faith. In love he has adopted us as his sons and daughters, not just saving us to be subjects making up a kingdom, but as family! In his incredible kindness he has made this available to all who will embrace him. His invitation goes out to all mankind. And, in his great mercy, we will find ourselves safely brought to our eternal homeland with him!
As surely as the Israelites were, we will be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy as we find ourselves home at last with our loving, wonderful Savior to spend an eternity with him! What a banquet that will be!
And, as I consider these things, I find I need not wait till then to express my joy, gratitude and excitement over what the Lord has done for me!
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
'The Lord has done great things for them.'
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy."
It has been thought that this psalm was written after the return of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon. Now, having returned and free to live in their homeland, their excitement is evidenced in their joy and laughter. "We were like men who dreamed"!
As I consider the season of joy these people experienced, I can't help but think of the similar experience we will all share in the resurrection. From the vantage point of eternal life, we will look back on the great tribulation of man's experience in this life-- suffering under God's judgment and condemnation, facing physical death and the wrath he will express on a world in rebellion to him-- and recognize with shear joy that "the Lord has done great things for us"!
In his great mercy and love he sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice that we might share in his inheritance as members of his family. In the riches of his grace he has made this available to us solely on the basis of faith. In love he has adopted us as his sons and daughters, not just saving us to be subjects making up a kingdom, but as family! In his incredible kindness he has made this available to all who will embrace him. His invitation goes out to all mankind. And, in his great mercy, we will find ourselves safely brought to our eternal homeland with him!
As surely as the Israelites were, we will be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy as we find ourselves home at last with our loving, wonderful Savior to spend an eternity with him! What a banquet that will be!
And, as I consider these things, I find I need not wait till then to express my joy, gratitude and excitement over what the Lord has done for me!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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