July 24, 2009

• When the LORD brought back those that returned to Zion

  Psalms 126:1-6  A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back those that returned to Zion, we were like unto them that dream.  (2)  Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the nations: ‘The LORD hath done great things with these.’  (3)  The LORD hath done great things with us; we are rejoiced.  (4)  Turn our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the dry land.  (5)  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  (6)  Though he goeth on his way weeping that beareth the measure of seed, he shall come home with joy, bearing his sheaves.

  This Psalm is one of rejoicing after returning home to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity. At one time the nation was glorious, it reached its zenith of power during the reign of Solomon. But, because of idolatry the city was destroyed and the Northern Kingdom of Israel went into captivity in 721 BC by the Assyrians. Then the Southern Kingdom of Judah went into captivity in 606 BC by the Babylonians. And as the Southern Kingdom was being led into Babylon, we read in Psalm 137:1-4, “By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion. We hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it. For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, And those who plundered us requested mirth, Saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How shall we sing the Lord’s song In a foreign land?” Their joy was gone, and their captors wanted them to sing, but no one felt like singing any longer. But now it was time to head home and as they did, the song in their heart was heard on their lips. They were back in the land that YHWH had given them.

  Don’t think they came home to palaces and beautiful homes. Jerusalem was in ruins, like a big rock heap. And yet, joy filled their hearts, no matter how tough it might be. They recognized YHWH’s hand upon their lives, and the other nations also saw these Jewish captives returning home, and recognized YHWH was with them.

  There’s an old hymn based on this verse:
  “Bringing in the Sheaves”
  (2nd verse) Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
  Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
  By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,
  We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
  Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
  We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,
  Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
  We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,
  Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
  Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
  When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,
  We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

  God turns tears to joy, but it comes to those who don’t stop sowing seed.
  We need to be careful that we don’t stop sowing seed, even if you’re weeping.

  Gal 6:7-10  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. {8} For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. {9} And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. {10} As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

  What’s the seed we need to keep sowing?
  Good deeds.  YHWH’s Word.  The gospel.
  Don’t stop sowing, even when it’s tough.
  We must also understand that our labor is not in vain, for there will be a bountiful harvest, there will be fruit from our labors. Don’t give up. As Paul said in I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

  Shalom uv’racha

  • 12:28 pm
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