Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-166 Sunday 25 Aug 2002

Reading: Psalm 122 – WORSHIP AND JOY

‘When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God,” my heart leaped for joy.'(Ps 122:1, The Message)

Catch the emotions of the pilgrims as they approached Jerusalem, entered the city and, finally, the Temple itself (vs 1,2). Jerusalem was the centre of the land – the promised inheritance. It was the place where God had placed his name (Deut 12:5-25; 14:23,24; 16:2-8), where he was to be worshipped and where his presence was felt in a powerful way. To come into the presence of God is great joy, the subject of animated and expectant conversation as the pilgrims move towards their goal.

Many of us find the association with ‘place’ difficult – we rightly believe that God is not confined to one place and that it is God’s people meeting together that is important, not where they meet. Perhaps we should give more thought to the possibility that there may be places where, through the long association of prayer and worship, God’s presence is more readily sensed. Places where God has revealed himself are celebrated in the Bible. (Eg Gen 28:18, 19;32:30)

The heart of the matter, however, is that, for these pilgrims, this is like coming home. We are, as Augustine pointed out, ‘made for you and are restless till we find our rest in you.’ Only in God are we truly at home. The people of God are to enjoy peace and prosperity (vs 6-9). Whatever our understanding of the place of Israel in God’s ongoing purposes and whatever our view of the current situation in the Middle East (which as I write is highly volatile) we can do two things – pray for peace and for justice in that troubled and yet greatly blessed part of the world and pray for the well being of the worldwide community of God’s people.

Today, as you reflect on your meeting with other Christians, use this psalm to stimulate your imagination, to guide your thoughts and to shape your prayer.

– John Grayston

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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