Psalm 128
1Happy is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways.
2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4Thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.
5The LORD bless you from Zion.
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
6May you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!
1Happy is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways.
Psalm 128 is one of the Psalms of Ascent which were sung by pilgrims on their way up the long, winding stairs to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. During festivals, hundreds of people would snake their way up the stairs singing and praying these Psalms together.
The closest modern example I can think of to illustrate this powerful experience is an ELCA Youth Gathering. I attended my first Gathering in New Orleans as an adult companion for a group from our community. Every evening, 25, 000 Lutheran teens would walk from their hotels to the Super Dome for worship. They poured onto Poydras Street from all the side streets, creating a river of people that flowed toward the stadium. As we made our way along the packed sidewalk, someone would begin a song or cheer. In just a few moments, hundreds of people would join in. It was an experience of pure joy as youth from all over the country discovered their unity in Christ along the way.
1Happy is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways.
The next time you walk into your church building for worship, or for some other gathering, imagine yourself walking up to God’s house. Where do you find joy? Who is traveling with you? Where do you see Jesus?
Prayer: O Lord, Our God, how majestic is your Name in all the earth. I am, indeed, happy to walk in your ways. AMEN