Psalm 122
The beauty and the glory of the Church of Christ are here
typically represented. Let prayer be fervent for the Church.
1-2. "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go
into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within your gates, O
Jerusalem!"
Joy gladdened the Israelite's heart when invited to
proceed in happy company to the appointed worship at Jerusalem. He would
rejoice in the hope of seeing the royal city and the Temple of his God. His
spirit would exult in prospect of joining in the prayers and praises of the
sanctuary. Gladness would largely revel when he exclaimed, Our feet shall
stand within your gates, O Jerusalem! Similar is the pious joy with which
every true believer hastens to the Church's festivities. It is celestial
happiness to join in common prayer, to lift up the voice in common praise,
and to hear the proclamation of the glorious truths of Christ's gospel. But
what lips can tell the joy of entering the New Jerusalem; and seeing our God
face to face, and joining in the everlasting hallelujahs? With this bright
prospect gladdening our souls may we go on our way rejoicing!
3. "Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact
together."
Nothing could exceed the magnificence of the city of God.
It abounded with all that art and wealth could contribute. Thus it stood the
admiration of the world. Its perfect arrangements present a faint image of
the glory of the New Jerusalem. The Spirit, by the pen of the enraptured
John, describes the glorious scene. But splendid images cannot reach the
reality. To know what heaven is, heaven must be entered. May we
rejoice in the thought that each day brings us nearer to it!
4-5. "Where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,
to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For
there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David."
Three times each year the males of the house of Israel
were enjoined to attend the solemn feasts, to enter the Temple, which
contained the testimony of the Lord, and there to bless His holy name. The
day approaches when all who have rejoiced in Christ shall meet in the New
Jerusalem. They shall come from the east and from the west, from the north
and from the south, with joy and gladness, with thanksgiving, and the voice
of melody. Let us see to it that we, also, shall have our place in this
innumerable multitude. Believers are kings and priests now unto God. Then
shall the promise be fulfilled, I say unto you, That you who have followed
Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of His
glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of
Israel.
6-7. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; those shall
prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your
palaces."
We are exhorted to be constant in our prayers, that God's
choicest blessings may descend upon the Church and make it fit for the
inheritance of glory. Prayers for others are true prayers for ourselves.
When we seek mercy on the Church in general, mercy will be given to us, as
to all the members of it.
8-9, "For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will
now say, Peace be within you. Because of the house of the Lord our God I
will seek your good."
Two grand motives are assigned for these prayers, the
love of our brethren and our delight in the glory of God. May these motives
ever swell in our hearts. Asking peace for others, we shall enjoy peace
ourselves. If we honor God, He will honor us.