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The Lord commands blessing because he desires to share his life with us.
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“for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”
Past the mountains, through the desert, the Israelites pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This song of ascent reminds the sojourners their fellowship is pleasant as they walk the dusty road to a very special place. As they sing, they remember how God called them in togetherness – to be a holy nation by God’s great covenant blessing. They recall God’s blessing when he says, “Choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 30:19b-20).
The pilgrims make their way to Jerusalem happy to sing God’s praises for he promised long life and blessing for those who listen to his voice. Blessing came as they were together and blessing came because of corporate remembrance of the feasts God gave them. The ascent, full of devotion – not duty – inspired them to continue. The exuberant gathering on Mount Zion celebrated a highlight of their year. No doubt there was a skip in their step, a joy and lightness in their heart as they returned home.
The Psalmist begins his psalm with “How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psalm 133:1) and ends with God’s desire to bless. The Lord commands blessing because he desires to share his life with us. As the covenant community of faith was there with God, enjoying his presence together, the earth experienced the blessing of life. Worshiping God as a community on Mount Zion was a touch of heaven. The Bible says heaven has no sin, no tears, no pain, no wanting. Heaven is just pure satisfaction and delight with and in the presence of the Lord, enjoying his blessings of unity and life forevermore. Consider your community today and praise God for ways you’ve experienced unity and life within the family of God. South Fellowship’s LifeGroups are a great way to experience life-giving community at South. If you’re not already a part of one, email Dan Elliot at [email protected] to join a group this September.
When Moses finished reciting all these words
to all Israel, he said to them,
“Take to heart all the words
I have solemnly declared to you this day,
so that you may command your children
to obey carefully all the words of this law.
They are not just idle words for you
– THEY ARE YOUR LIFE.
By them you will live long in the land
you are crossing the Jordan to possess”.
-Deuteronomy 32:45-47
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By Donna Burns
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