Today’s Reading: Psalm 134, Ephesians 4:1-6

This Psalm is the last of the fifteen Song of Ascents we’ve studied (Psalm 120-134). In the first two verses God’s people are calling the priests and Levites of the temple to continue praising the Lord as an act of service.

And bless the Lord.” (AMP Emphasis mine)

“They were the servants of the Lord by office, appointed to minister in holy things; they attended the sanctuary, and kept the charge of the house of the Lord, Numbers 3:6, etc. Some of them did by night stand in the house of the Lord, to guard the holy things of the temple, that they might not be profaned, and the rich things of the temple, that they might not be plundered. While the ark was in curtains there was the more need of guards upon it. They attended likewise to see that neither the fire on the altar nor the lamps in the candlestick went out. Probably it was usual for some devout and pious Israelites to sit up with them; we read of one that departed not from the temple night or day, Luke 2:37” (Matthew Henry)

³ May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth.” (AMP)

“Charles Spurgeon suggested that the scene was of pilgrims departing Jerusalem in the darkness of early morning, calling out to the priests and Levites who stood watch at the temple. The pilgrims then receive the blessing spoken back to them.”(David Guzik)

 

Isn’t it wonderful how God’s people encourage each other to continue praising the Lord no matter what their position (in the body of Christ) is? Exhorting, encouraging and blessing one another. That is exactly how our Abba wants us all to be: in unity! (Ephesians 4:1-6)

This psalm shows us that praise should be added to all our work!

 

“Not one of you should serve him as of compulsion, but all should bless him while you serve him; yea, bless him for permitting you to serve him, fitting you to serve him, and accepting your service.” (Spurgeon)

When we surrendered our life to Jesus, we all received a special calling:

  ^“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  (1 Peter 2:9-10 AMP)

We are His special people at His service, and as His servants we have special reason to bless and praise Him, because:

· We partner with God in His work, which is a special privilege.  (1 Cor. 1:9, 1 Peter 4:11)

· We enjoy the nearness that comes with working together with Him and his people.

   (Ro.  15:5-6)

· We receive the special strength and anointing as we serve Him. (Acts 1:8, Phil 4:11-13)

· We experience new and exciting challenges of faith. (Phil. 2:12-13)

 

Paul also exhorts us:

 “First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, ² for ^[a]kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior… ⁸ Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].” (1Timothy 2:1-3,8 AMP Emphasis mine)

-Did you ever wake up in the wee hours of the night, and by His Holy Spirit  were led to pray for someone or felt the urge to praise Him? Has this been frequent?

-How did this make you feel?

Heavenly Father: Thank you for the privilege and right to stand before You to minister with our prayers, intercessions and our praise to You. Even in the night we are under your sight, and You bend down to listen: we have direct have access to You! This is so amazing and I want to ask You to forgive me for the times when I grumble at the fact that I must let go of my sleep and be on guard for whatever is Your desire or need at that moment during the night! May I be diligent and cheerful as I minister to You! May I always acknowledge the privilege and honor of Your Holy Presence and the direction of Your Holy Spirit! Thank you for blessing me and loving me in the special Way that You do! May I extend this love and blessings to others too! In Jesus’s Precious Name I pray. Amen!

Blessings,

Mary