Song of Ascents - Psalm 126, Verse 6

Blessed are You O Lord God, our Redeemer, for You have have prepared days when You will wipe away every tear from the face of Your people. You will fill their hearts with gladness just as You have purposed. For You promised through Isaiah, "Shout for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout in triumph, you depths of the earth; Break forth into jubilant rejoicing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and He shows His glory in Israel." 

How grateful are we Your redeemed ones, for You have wiped out our transgressions like a thick cloud and our sins like a heavy mist. Now You call once again, "Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." You call all those who have believed in Your name to repent, just as You did to the churches in the book of Revelation. You ask that they turn to You with weeping making a definite decision to love You with all their heart; for in due season, You will then cause that they will return with cries of joy as they carry the fruit of righteousness which comes through Yeshua the Messiah—to the glory and praise of God.

Have a blessed Shavuot!

Song of Ascents - Psalm 126, Verse 5

It is evident Adonai, that the principle of reaping what we sow is a universal one and is applicable to all dimensions of life. You taught from the Mount while You were on the earth that the one who mourned was blessed for they would be comforted. Your servants can testify that though for weeks, nay months, they sowed in tears; they soon reaped with songs of joy. They sowed with pleading for help to walk righteous before Thee. They sowed with cries that sincerely expressed to You how eager they were to live pleasing in Your sight. They came to You in their weakness. They cried when they stumbled and mourned when they grieved You. This discipline went on for months, with intermittent breaks so that they would not grow weary. Yet all the time their eyes were on Thee for they knew that the God in whom they had put their hope was faithful. Right enough, at the proper time, after refining them as gold purified in fire, they came out rejoicing at Thy faithfulness and now testify how good and gracious and wonderful You are.

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. The next feast is Shavuot (or Pentecost) which is 50 days from First-fruits. (This year it falls on May 20, 2018.) 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have completed 48 days of counting up to the fifty days to Shavuot (Lev. 23:15-16), and are now on the 49th day (completing seven Sabbaths). At sunset this evening will begin the Feast of Weeks. During this counting we reminded ourselves that after our Lord Yeshua rose again, He revealed Himself to His disciples and many others for 40 of these 50 days. Having seen the Lord ascend into heaven, the disciples tarried in Jerusalem just as He instructed them. At the Feast of Weeks, when all Israel was to gather in Jerusalem according to the command of God. While Yeshua told them that they would receive the Holy Spirit “not many days from now”, could they have imagined that this glorious promise of the Father would be granted to them on the day of the Feast of Weeks? I wonder if they knew that God was to fulfil one more of His promises on His appointed ‘Moedim’, just as He did on His other three appointed days of Passover (in Yeshua’s death); the Feast of Unleavened Bread (in Yeshua’s burial) and in First-fruits (Yeshua’s resurrection). 

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 126, Verse 4

It is so enlightening when we understand how brilliantly the Psalmist uses physical descriptions to describe what he wants to say, Adonai. Just as the Negev is a desert land that is dry, without shade or trees or streams, and how when You release the rain, torrential rivers fill the stream-beds bringing great relief to those in the area; in much the same way, may Your grace come like rain, O gracious Father as those still in captivity are set free to return to Your promise and salvation. 

There are many who have believed in You, Yeshua and have believed that salvation that comes from You. Week after week they proclaim, "Lord! Lord!". They cast out demons in Your name. They do miracles in Your name. Yet their lives are not in sync with the new creation that You resurrected in righteousness and holiness and truth (Eph. 4:24). Like captives many by their behaviour show that they are still held captive in Babylon. Show mercy Adonai. Like streams that fill the vadis (stream-beds) in the desert, I ask that You bring a revival in the hearts of so many who proclaim Your name so that their stand for truth will be with courage and boldness.

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. The next feast is Shavuot (or Pentecost) which is 50 days from First-fruits. (This year it falls on May 20, 2018.) 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have completed 47 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 many others for 40 days before pouring out the Holy Spirit upon them and clothing them with power from on high. Having now seen the Lord ascend into heaven the disciples tarried in Jerusalem just as He instructed them. The Feast of Weeks was only ten days away when all Israel was to gather in Jerusalem according to the command of God. While Yeshua told them that they would receive the Holy Spirit “not many days from now”, could they have imagined that this glorious promise of the Father would be granted to them on the day of the Feast of Weeks? I wonder if they knew that God was to fulfil one more of His promises on His appointed ‘Moedim’, just as He did on His other three appointed days of Passover (in Yeshua’s death); the Feast of Unleavened Bread (in Yeshua’s burial) and in First-fruits (Yeshua’s resurrection). 

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 126, Verse 3

Not only do the nations stand up and take note that You do great things for Israel, Thy chosen people; but we too testify, "The Lord does great things for us. Yes! Our hearts are overwhelmed with gladness." I think of what Paul wrote when he said, "Praised be Adonai, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who in the Messiah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven." 

If I just sit and meditate on the phrase "every spiritual blessing", I could draw up a list of blessings, O God of all grace. For were it not for favour, wisdom, godly instruction, power and help, protection, mercy, loving kindness and gracious provisions that You have so graciously lavished upon me, my life would have been a struggle, fearful and possibly a mess filled with mistakes. Each day I can reflect and proclaim with gladness, "The Lord has truly done and continues to do great things. Blessed be His name."

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. The next feast is Shavuot (or Pentecost) which is 50 days from First-fruits. (This year it falls on May 20, 2018.) 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have now completed 46 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 many others for 40 days before pouring out the Holy Spirit upon them and clothing them with power from on high. Having now seen the Lord ascend into heaven the disciples tarried in Jerusalem just as He instructed them. The Feast of Weeks was only ten days away when all Israel was to gather in Jerusalem according to the command of God. While Yeshua told them that they would receive the Holy Spirit “not many days from now”, could they have imagined that this glorious promise of the Father would be granted to them on the day of the Feast of Weeks? I wonder if they knew that God was to fulfil one more of His promises on His appointed ‘Moedim’, just as He did on His other three appointed days of Passover (in Yeshua’s death); the Feast of Unleavened Bread (in Yeshua’s burial) and in First-fruits (Yeshua’s resurrection). 

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 126, Verse 2

When Israel crossed over the Jordan, the nations on hearing this found that "their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites." When You delivered Judah from Babylonian captivity and restored them back to their land after 70 years of desolation, "among the nations it was said, 'Adonai has done great things.' " Today too, it is evident to all over the face of the earth that Thou O great and mighty One has done great things with Israel; for at no point in the history of mankind has a people who were scattered all over the world for 2000 years ever returned. Israel has not only been restored as a nation in the promised land that lay desolate for two millennia, but also speaks the language of their fathers, and is a nation feared by their enemies. Lost tribes are returning. The ancient promises given through the prophets are being fulfilled. Our mouths are full of laughter, Adonai, and our tongues are shouting for joy. For once again all the nations are saying, "The Lord has done and is doing great things for His chosen people." I am so blessed to be a part of this nation.

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. The next feast is Shavuot (or Pentecost) which is 50 days from First-fruits. (This year it falls on May 20, 2018.) 

From the day of First-fruits, which was the day our Lord rose from the dead, we have now completed 44 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 many others for 40 days before pouring out the Holy Spirit upon them and clothing them with power from on high. Having now seen the Lord ascend into heaven the disciples tarried in Jerusalem just as He instructed them. The Feast of Weeks was only ten days away when all Israel was to gather in Jerusalem according to the command of God. While Yeshua told them that they would receive the Holy Spirit “not many days from now”, could they have imagined that this glorious promise of the Father would be granted to them on the day of the Feast of Weeks? I wonder if they knew that God was to fulfil one more of His promises on His appointed ‘Moedim’, just as He did on His other three appointed days of Passover (in Yeshua’s death); the Feast of Unleavened Bread (in Yeshua’s burial) and in First-fruits (Yeshua’s resurrection). 

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.