Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-215 Sunday 03 Nov 2002

Reading: Psalm 132 – SINGLE-HEARTED ZEAL

‘Lord, prepare my heart to meet you today in this psalm. Open my eyes to perceive hidden truth.’

Rest, the theme of psalm 131, is balanced here by ‘holy activity’, a theme illustrated repeatedly in David’s own life of focused devotion (vs 3-5). The ark, symbolising God’s presence with his people, was brought to Jerusalem by David full of single-hearted zeal (2 Sam 6:12). Whatever the date of this psalm, there is unmistakable reference to that historic homecoming from Kiriath- jearim. David’s passion for God and the task he has given him combine to harness his energy solely for God.

Dag Hammerskjold writes that ‘the road to holiness necessarily passes through the world of action’ (Markings). The life of Paul shows this – without his labour, the church would not have matured and grown (1 Thess 2:9). As we read of the full, active lives of the saints of God, we can only marvel at how much they achieved. That pattern seems often beyond our grasp today – we, who have the benefit of technologies designed to promote efficiency and speed! Is our problem often that there are missing elements in our discipleship that make our activity something less than holy?

Activity, then, must not be confused with a breathless rushing around which attempts to meet every need in sight, yet leaves us with no time or space for God to build his tender and intimate relationships. Richard Foster uses a delightful phrase about contemplation: ‘wasting time’ for God! (Streams of Living Water)

As you read this psalm, travel again into the presence of the Lord with David and his counterparts in the history of faith, with enthusiasm and devotion bubbling over in joyous worship. Verses 7- 9, a beautiful hymn, combine worshipful intent with a plea that God takes his rightful place in the life of the nation.

‘Let us worship at his footstool – arise, O Lord and come…’ Do your best to combine awe and urgency in your worship today.

– David Blair

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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