Song of Ascents - Psalm 124, Verse 1

Were you not on the side of the righteous, O Sovereign Lord, there was no way that such could have survived life in this wicked world. We would surely have been swallowed up alive. But thanks be to Thee Adonai that You not only sanctify us but also preserve and sustain us. By Your mighty right hand You uphold us and keep us from stumbling. As our shield and defender, You also keep us safe from the hunter's trap. What would we do without You O God whose eyes are on the righteous and whose ears are attentive to their cry? 

But let us remember that as long as Israel was righteous and walked in obedience to Your commands they had You on their side. The moment they went after their wayward ways, You brought calamity over them and scattered them. Let us be wary of holding to the promise of Your salvation and ignore, to our peril as do so many, that we have to be faithful to our part of the covenant too. In this covenant relationship—as sanctified children with a Holy God—Your promises are hinged on our obedience, love and faith in You. Keep us from deceiving ourselves in thinking that we can sustain a one-sided relationship of only drawing from You without first abiding in You.

Song of Ascents comprises of a collection of 15 psalms from Psalm 120 to 134. While there are a number of suggestions as to what the phrase, “Song of Ascents” could mean, one thought is that these psalms were sung by Israel as they went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the three annual feasts that the Lord had commanded (Lev. 23; Ex. 23:14). 

We have concluded the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread which started on the 15th day of the first month of the Biblical calendar (or on the evening of March 30, 2018). During this seven day feast, Israel went up to Jerusalem singing these Songs of Ascent. 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have now completed 29 days of counting up to the fifty days to Shavuot (Lev. 23:15-16), the next feast day of the Lord. This counting is also a good reminder of the fact that after our Lord Yeshua rose again, He revealed Himself to His disciples and to many others for 40 days. This means that even as we have counted 29 days to Shavuot, our risen Lord showed Himself with convincing evidence on each of these days—walking with them and eating with them—to help them understand that He truly is alive. Ten days after His ascension, on Shavuot, the Holy Spirit was poured out from heaven and filled men and women, clothing them with power from on high. 

My purpose of posting a verse from these psalms each day (during these days between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) which in Greek is called Pentecost) is so that we too—if you are a son (or daughter) of Israel, even though you once may have been a Gentile but now through the great grace shown to us by the Father and through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua—can pilgrim into the presence of the Most High God (for we are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in us) singing these psalms to Him who sits on the throne (in heaven and in our hearts). 

Join with me then O son of Israel and let us exalt the name of our God together as we pilgrim on His appointed feast days just as He commanded.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 123, Verse 4

It is amazing how we have used Your word to twist it and make it say what 'tickles our ears'. Of course, twisting the truth always comes with a price and it is often after a very long spell of wasted time that we recognize the damage it has caused. One need not look far to see how so-called "teachers of Your word" have advocated a "gospel" totally out of sync with the truth. They preach blessing while being silent on obedience. They talk of ease while sidestepping the teaching that we are not of this world but rather need to live as a separate people who proclaim the excellencies of our Master while setting our eyes on the tings that are above. They are eloquent while speaking of grace but are deliberately quiet while preaching on repentance (returning to love and the Lord with a fervent devotion), righteousness (walking in such a way that the Messiah is seen in them) and humility (knowing that God opposes, even turns against, the proud). Such teachers will receive a just recompense for leading many astray. 

But what makes things worse is when these very "Bible scholars" in the ease of their compromised lives, scoff and hurl contempt at the ones who walk after Your ways. They can see the difference in the lives of Thy bond-servants but harden their hearts to the truth holding tight to what gives them that 'ease'. O Adonai, often this scoffing and contempt makes me wonder in lonely retrospect, "Who will understand?" Yet I rejoice because like You told Elijah when he thought that he alone was left, You said, "I have reserved 7000 in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal."

Song of Ascents comprises of a collection of 15 psalms from Psalm 120 to 134. While there are a number of suggestions as to what the phrase, “Song of Ascents” could mean, one thought is that these psalms were sung by Israel as they went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the three annual feasts that the Lord had commanded (Lev. 23; Ex. 23:14). 

We have concluded the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread which started on the 15th day of the first month of the Biblical calendar (or on the evening of March 30, 2018). During this seven day feast, Israel went up to Jerusalem singing these Songs of Ascent. 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have now completed 28 days of counting up to the fifty days to Shavuot (Lev. 23:15-16), the next feast day of the Lord. This counting is also a good reminder of the fact that after our Lord Yeshua rose again, He revealed Himself to His disciples and to many others for 40 days. This means that even as we have counted 28 days to Shavuot, our risen Lord showed Himself with convincing evidence on each of these days—walking with them and eating with them—to help them understand that He truly is alive. Ten days after His ascension, on Shavuot, the Holy Spirit was poured out from heaven and filled men and women, clothing them with power from on high. 

My purpose of posting a verse from these psalms each day (during these days between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) which in Greek is called Pentecost) is so that we too—if you are a son (or daughter) of Israel, even though you once may have been a Gentile but now through the great grace shown to us by the Father and through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua—can pilgrim into the presence of the Most High God (for we are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in us) singing these psalms to Him who sits on the throne (in heaven and in our hearts). 

Join with me then O son of Israel and let us exalt the name of our God together as we pilgrim on His appointed feast days just as He commanded.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 123, Verse 3

Why are Jews the most hated people in all the world? Could it be that because they are Your chosen people that the evil one has filled all the nations to view them with contempt? As for me who was once a Gentile belonging to the nations, a wild olive branch that has now been grafted into the cultivated olive tree, Israel—because I now keep ALL of your commands, including the Sabbath, eating food that You have prescribed, and observing Your appointed days; I too find that I am often looked at with contempt, even from 'Christians'. I think of what You said Adonai when You walked on this earth: "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me." I now recognize that there is a price to be holy; a people separate for You and distinct from the world. Please give me the strength to be strong and very courageous that I will not love my life above You but as a true disciple, carry my cross in obedience, and in devoted love follow You.

Song of Ascents comprises of a collection of 15 psalms from Psalm 120 to 134. While there are a number of suggestions as to what the phrase, “Song of Ascents” could mean, one thought is that these psalms were sung by Israel as they went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the three annual feasts that the Lord had commanded (Lev. 23; Ex. 23:14). 

We have concluded the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread which started on the 15th day of the first month of the Biblical calendar (or on the evening of March 30, 2018). During this seven day feast, Israel went up to Jerusalem singing these Songs of Ascent. 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have now completed 27 days of counting up to the fifty days to Shavuot (Lev. 23:15-16), the next feast day of the Lord. This counting is also a good reminder of the fact that after our Lord Yeshua rose again, He revealed Himself to His disciples and to many others for 40 days. This means that even as we have counted 27 days to Shavuot, our risen Lord showed Himself with convincing evidence on each of these days—walking with them and eating with them—to help them understand that He truly is alive. Ten days after His ascension, on Shavuot, the Holy Spirit was poured out from heaven and filled men and women, clothing them with power from on high. 

My purpose of posting a verse from these psalms each day (during these days between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) which in Greek is called Pentecost) is so that we too—if you are a son (or daughter) of Israel, even though you once may have been a Gentile but now through the great grace shown to us by the Father and through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua—can pilgrim into the presence of the Most High God (for we are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in us) singing these psalms to Him who sits on the throne (in heaven and in our hearts). 

Join with me then O son of Israel and let us exalt the name of our God together as we pilgrim on His appointed feast days just as He commanded.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 123, Verse 2

I am reminded of the Syrophoenician woman who came to You to cast out a demon from her daughter. Like her, I too had no part in the children's bread. I was cut off and far away from You; without hope, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise. But as a slave-girl looks to the hand of her mistress so too this woman looked to You knowing that even the crumbs that fell off Your table were sufficient for her. I bow my knees before Thee Adonai for Thou hast not only lavished grace upon me (they are not crumbs but a banquet) but has brought me close to Thyself giving me, like the children of Abraham, the right to be called a child of God. What grace Adonai! What mercy! That woman's faith and humility made all the difference. May I never disappoint You with fear, unbelief and pride. For I know that with such You takes no pleasure.

Song of Ascents comprises of a collection of 15 psalms from Psalm 120 to 134. While there are a number of suggestions as to what the phrase, “Song of Ascents” could mean, one thought is that these psalms were sung by Israel as they went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the three annual feasts that the Lord had commanded (Lev. 23; Ex. 23:14). 

We have concluded the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread which started on the 15th day of the first month of the Biblical calendar (or on the evening of March 30, 2018). During this seven day feast, Israel went up to Jerusalem singing these Songs of Ascent. 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have now completed 26 days of counting up to the fifty days to Shavuot (Lev. 23:15-16), the next feast day of the Lord. This counting is also a good reminder of the fact that after our Lord Yeshua rose again, He revealed Himself to His disciples and to many others for 40 days. This means that even as we have counted 26 days to Shavuot, our risen Lord showed Himself with convincing evidence on each of these days—walking with them and eating with them—to help them understand that He truly is alive. Ten days after His ascension, on Shavuot, the Holy Spirit was poured out from heaven and filled men and women, clothing them with power from on high. 

My purpose of posting a verse from these psalms each day (during these days between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) which in Greek is called Pentecost) is so that we too—if you are a son (or daughter) of Israel, even though you once may have been a Gentile but now through the great grace shown to us by the Father and through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua—can pilgrim into the presence of the Most High God (for we are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in us) singing these psalms to Him who sits on the throne (in heaven and in our hearts). 

Join with me then O son of Israel and let us exalt the name of our God together as we pilgrim on His appointed feast days just as He commanded.

Song of Ascents - Psalm 123, Verse 1

Because You have repeatedly commanded us to trust in Thee O Master, therefore unto You do I lift up my eyes. I know that I do not look up in vain but to the faithful One who is enthroned in the heavens. Elsewhere You exhorted us: "It is better to take refuge in Adonai than to trust in human beings; better to take refuge in Adonai than to put one’s trust in princes." I have seen the blessing of trusting You completely. Therefore my testimony today is this: "Yah is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation." Thank You for the grace and mercy You have shown me by working in me without giving up. It is because of this working that today my eyes do not look to my clever ways or the influence of men or the wisdom of this world but instead looks to You as my only dependable source of help, wisdom, and safety.

Song of Ascents comprises of a collection of 15 psalms from Psalm 120 to 134. While there are a number of suggestions as to what the phrase, “Song of Ascents” could mean, one thought is that these psalms were sung by Israel as they went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the three annual feasts that the Lord had commanded (Lev. 23; Ex. 23:14). 

We have concluded the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread which started on the 15th day of the first month of the Biblical calendar (or on the evening of March 30, 2018). During this seven day feast, Israel went up to Jerusalem singing these Songs of Ascent. 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have now completed 25 days of counting up to the fifty days to Shavuot (Lev. 23:15-16), the next feast day of the Lord. This counting is also a good reminder of the fact that after our Lord Yeshua rose again, He revealed Himself to His disciples and to many others for 40 days. This means that even as we have counted 25 days to Shavuot, our risen Lord showed Himself with convincing evidence on each of these days—walking with them and eating with them—to help them understand that He truly is alive. Ten days after His ascension, on Shavuot, the Holy Spirit was poured out from heaven and filled men and women, clothing them with power from on high. 

My purpose of posting a verse from these psalms each day (during these days between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) which in Greek is called Pentecost) is so that we too—if you are a son (or daughter) of Israel, even though you once may have been a Gentile but now through the great grace shown to us by the Father and through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua—can pilgrim into the presence of the Most High God (for we are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in us) singing these psalms to Him who sits on the throne (in heaven and in our hearts).

Join with me then O son of Israel and let us exalt the name of our God together as we pilgrim on His appointed feast days just as He commanded.