Down an Unfamiliar Road

LOVE THAT KNOWS NO BOUNDS –

After the pilgrims gathered in the House of the LORD along with the priests and musicians, the congregation was now ready to worship Him for His love that brought them through many trials and tribulations. The reciting of this psalm in the Temple was done by the Cantor chanting the first line and then everyone in attendance responding with the phrase: “His grace is never ending.” The compilers of the Psalter chose to include this psalm written by David for the dedication of the tent he erected to hold the Ark of the Covenant upon its being brought to Jerusalem. It was repeated at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. The main theme was to remember all that God had done to bring them this far, and to instill in their hearts the hope and faith that He would continue to love them, come what may.

“O Worship the LORD Eternal, for He is a good God – His grace is never ending.

O Worship the God above all gods – His grace is never ending.

O Worship the LORD above all lords – His grace is never ending.

He single handedly performed all His wonders – His grace is never ending.

He created the universe with great skill – His grace is never ending.

He spread out the earth’s surface above the waters – His grace is never ending.

He put heaven’s lights in place – His grace is never ending.

He positioned the sun to light up the day – His grace is never ending.

He hung the moon and stars to illuminate the night – His grace is never ending.

He remembered us when we were down and out – His grace is never ending.

He ransomed us from those who enslaved us – His grace is never ending.

He provides the very essence of life – His grace is never ending.

O Worship the Head of Heaven – His grace is never ending.”

Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

Reflection: Some years ago a minister sat in his church office looking at his daughter sitting across from him, and a high school counselor seated on his left. The teenager ran away from home the week before, and the State Police returned her to the town’s police station that morning. Before she left, the girl penned a note saying that she couldn’t live up to being a preacher’s daughter; the rules proved too hard to follow. At the police station the captain informed the girl of her options: go home with her dad and obey the rules, or, go to the home for runaway girls and live by even tighter restrictions. She reluctantly chose to go home with her father, as long as he first agreed to have a meeting with the school counselor to go over the rules, to make sure they were fair. Earlier that morning, the pastor’s devotions included Romans 5:8, and the scripture that gripped his heart. So while looking at his beloved daughter he quoted what he had read, “God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” With tears in his eyes he said to his daughter, “If God was willing to do that for me, I can do no less for you. So everything you’ve done up until now is forgiven. We can start with a new slate, a new beginning.” Tears also filled his daughter’s eyes as well as those of the counselor. They hugged and went home with a new relationship. The next day the father found a note on his pillow that read, “You are the best daddy in the world.” It just so happens that I was that minister and the girl involved was one of my precious daughters whom I love dearly. When the psalmist looked back over the history of Israel, he too saw times when the Israelites proved to be less than cooperative; not living in harmony with their Heavenly Father’s wishes. Yet, His unshakable love always led Him to be a forgiving and caring God. He chose not to force His people to serve Him out of fear, or terrorize them into obedience with threats of retribution; nor did He try and win their allegiance with promises or benevolent acts. In other words, He didn’t try to buy their love or make them earn His love. So the next time someone crosses you or does not do what you want them to do in order to please you, consider this thought before you mete out retribution, “How did I feel when I came to God lost and undone asking for forgiveness, and He said, “I’ve always loved you and I always will?”

So often when we are faced with the decision whether we should or should not do something; or, we consider canceling or postponing a decision; or, when we are pressured to respond to an opportunity or pass it by, most often our constant thought is on how is it going to affect us or those closest to us. While that is certainly a big factor, what about our relationship with God? We must realize that God is not a puppeteer, standing above us pulling our strings, and we are not robots merely wound up to perform what we are programmed to do. God has given us room to select options and exercise our will; not forcing us to choose one over the other. Therefore, we must also take into account how our actions, decisions, and affirmations will affect our service to Him as much as it affects us with its outcome. This is called responsibility for the privilege of having a free will. Therefore, we should always take into account our dedication to God in every one of these instances. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

I grew up in a preacher’s home and my father always treated people of other races and colors with great dignity and respect. We didn’t hear racial slurs or derogatory terms used for people’s race or culture other than our own. My dad’s openness and courteousness to people of different racial and ethnic groups rubbed off on me, something for which I am so grateful. Recently I read an article that gave me information about my father I didn’t know before. In 1927 he was appointed pastor to a congregation in Pennsylvania with both white and black members. There existed great love and harmony between the two. They worshiped together, fellowshiped together, ate together, and spent hours after church talking to each other. One member of the church at that time described their worship services as “dynamic, exciting, and Spirit-filled.” That’s where he grew to love and appreciate black and white believers in one accord and gained great respect for those who didn’t look on the color of someone’s skin, but color of one’s heart to foster brotherhood and sisterhood. In 1943 someone decided that the congregation could grow faster and serve people better if they split in two, since it was well-known that black and white congregations worshiped differently. I’m not here to judge if that decision was right or wrong. But I do feel that given today’s racial climate, had they stayed together their congregation might have served as a beacon for other churches to follow as a true model of genuine Christian fellowship. To this day I thank God I was raised in a home where racial discrimination did not exist.

IT’S GREAT BEING GRATEFUL –

The pilgrims have arrived in the Holy City; they are standing on holy ground in the Temple court; the priests are ready to minister; let the praise and worship begin! So the compilers of the Psalter chose a psalm written by an exile who had returned to Jerusalem after being in bondage, and was overwhelmed by the thrill of standing in the rebuilt Temple to honor the God who delivered him. Can you imagine on any given Sunday, billions of people around the world are in communion with God at the same time; in thousands of languages and dialects; using songs with many tempos and rhythms; offering many types of pray and praise to one God. The fact that He understands every one of them simultaneously; knowing they all expect a refreshing of the Spirit from Him, makes worshiping Him that much more awesome.

“O Hallelujah! Praise the LORD Eternal for who He is; yes, let the servants of the LORD Eternal praise Him as they stand in the House of the LORD Eternal, in the sanctuary of our One True God. Praise our Heavenly Master, our LORD Eternal, as you sing hymns about who He is, for He is wonderful and good. For our Heavenly Master chose us for Himself, yes, we all became His personal treasure. Therefore we know the LORD Eternal is great; that our Divine Master is greater than all powers. The LORD Eternal only does what pleases Him, whether up in heaven or down on earth, or in the middle of the ocean, to its deepest depths. So let every believer bestow praise on the LORD Eternal; let every minister bestow praise on the LORD Eternal; let every associate minister bestow praise on the LORD Eternal; let the laity bestow praise on the LORD Eternal; everyone join in and bestow praise on the LORD Eternal. We praise You, O LORD Eternal, for Your presence is in Your holy sanctuary. O Hallelujah! ” Psalm 135:1-6, 19-21

Reflection: At age 21, John Wesley entered Oxford University. He came from a good Christian home, and received compliments for his keen mind and good looks. Yet he proved to be somewhat snobbish and sarcastic. One night while speaking to a porter he learned that the poor fellow possessed only one coat; lived in such impoverished conditions that he did not have a bed to sleep on. Yet, he seemed unusually happy and filled with gratitude to God. Wesley thoughtlessly joked about the man’s misfortunes by saying rather sarcastically: “And pray tell, what else might you thank God for?”

The porter smiled and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, “I thank Him that He has given me life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him.” Wesley was deeply moved; he recognized that this man knew the meaning of how to give God praise. It had a deep effect on Wesley’s life. Many years later John Wesley lay on his deathbed at the age of 88. Those gathered around him were familiar with how he praised God in every circumstance. Despite Wesley’s extreme weakness, he began singing a hymn written by Isaac Watts based on this Psalm entitled, “I’ll Praise My Maker While I Have Breath.” Little did the poor porter know how much his spontaneous praise to God served to change the world through the ministry of John Wesley. Like the psalmist, Wesley knew that no other god in the universe or in man’s imagination could compare to his Divine Master. What wonderful examples these servants of the LORD give us to follow as we pass through life. Ask yourself this question: “When was the last time someone inquired about how you were getting along, after they found out about some misfortune or setback you suffered?” Did you give an answer similar to that the porter gave John Wesley? Keep in mind the dramatic change such a response might bring to future leaders in God’s kingdom that you might meet along the way.

STANDING ON HOLY GROUND –

Upon concluding the collection for the Song of Ascents, the compilers envisioned pilgrims finally reaching the Holy City where they were about to enjoy celebrating the feasts; also, the Levite choir that sang these songs in sequence on each of the fifteen steps leading up to the inner court of the Temple, had reached the final step. Now it was time to bless the LORD in adoration; to throw off their weariness and any downheartedness they brought with them; and with all their strength and soul lift up the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in praise and worship.

“Listen everyone; give the LORD Eternal all the praise and honor due to Him; all of you ministers who serve in the house of the LORD Eternal; raise your hands toward the Holy of Holies and begin praising the LORD Eternal! May the LORD Eternal, creator of heaven and earth, rain down His blessing on you from His throne on high!” Psalm 134:1-3

Reflection: While visiting a small town in north Thailand, near the border with Burma, to conduct a ministers meeting and Bible Study, I had to travel on a hot, crowded bus for hours over bumpy roads. After finally arriving we checked into a less than five star hotel for the night. The next day we met in a small tabernacle built out of bamboo poles and a tin roof. As we worshipped, there was one brother who seemed to be especially happy to be there; his face was lit up with a smile as he raised his hands to worship the Lord with all his heart and soul. Between one of the services the overseer brought the man to meet me, and he seemed overjoyed and gave the tradition oriental bow, and then hug me with great enthusiasm. The overseer told me that the man had traveled all the way from Burma to be there; but it was how he traveled that melted my heart and filled my eyes with tears of respect and admiration. He left his home in central Burma on a train, and traveled as far as it would go toward our location where the services were being held. Then he caught a bus and rode as far as his money would take him. After that he hitchhiked; then got a ride on a moped; then on a bicycle; and finally walked several miles to the border. I quickly asked the Lord to forgive me for feeling sorry for myself because of the long bus ride and the less than luxury hotel accommodations. The psalmist no doubt knew what it took to take the long arduous journey to Jerusalem for the feasts, and shows unquestionable reverence, respect, wonder, and outright awe for the House of God and all it represented. He knew that words alone did not suffice in expressing true veneration for the God above all gods. How much more meaningful does praise become when done in true reverence for our Lord and Savior. How much more sincerity and humility are added to prayer when done with an open heart to the One who loves us so much. How much more do acts of dedication and submission to God’s will take on meaning when done while fulfilling His will not ours. How much more does it intensify our words of thanks and confessions of love for the Mighty Redeemer when done with a willingness to surrender ourselves to Him. But none of this means anything unless we mean everything we sing and say to Him, rather than merely following the rhythm of the music or repeating words we don’t really mean. Let us imagine what would be going through the heart and mind of a pilgrim standing in the Temple, looking at the most sacred spot on earth to every Jewish believer. Given the words and music of the song by Geron Davis, we might begin singing along with the pilgrims – as did a Jewish girl named Barbra Streisand: “We are standing on holy ground and I know there are angels all around, let us praise Jesus now, we are standing in His presence on holy ground.” So let the psalmist’s words and the lyrics of Geron’s song cause us all to take these to heart and cherish them as we approach our Heavenly Father on His throne of room of grace and mercy.

IN TUNE WITH GOD –

As the pilgrims drew nearer and nearer to their destination—the beautiful temple sitting high on Mt. Zion, the compilers of the Songs of Ascents wanted them to start feeling the excitement of soon being in the presence of the One True God. They wanted the pilgrim’s long journey to climax with the thrill of stepping into the holy place where the God they served dwelled in all His glory. They came from all corners of the land; from many cities, towns and villages; over straight, crooked, narrow and hilly roads to be together and stand on holy ground to worship the King of glory.

“What a beautiful sight when believers fellowship and worship together in unity. It’s like being under an anointing that flows down over the head and into the body, like it did on Aaron, flowing down into his beard and onto the collar of his robe. It’s also like being covered with a mist that settles down the same way dew settles down on the mountains of Zion. For it was there that the LORD Eternal initiated His plan to bring the blessing of eternal life.” Psalm 133:1-3

Reflection: Piano tuners tell us that the key of A Major on the keyboard represents the perfect pitch. Composers such as Bach and Mozart; singer Nat King Cole; conductor André Prévin and others possessed this ability to hit that perfect pitch. They also tell us that singer Phil Collins likes to tune the drums, because with his perfect pitch ability he picks up vibrations most people never hear. Such individuals instantaneously identify any key when played on an instrument. It is said of Elvis Presley, that his voice covered two octaves and a third, from the baritone low-G to the tenor high B, with an upward extension in falsetto to at least a D flat. Presley’s best octave is in the middle, D-flat to D-flat, granting an extra full step up or down. He had the ability to make everyone in the audience think that he was singing directly to them. The latest research informs us that that only 1 out of 10,000 people possess this unique ability. Also, that 80% of it comes from heredity. Once given a key to sing or hum, they complete the song without ever losing pitch or going off key. Further, it has been reported that some composers actually chose certain keys to represent the mood of their music, or that represented the feeling in their words. Researchers also say that by giving a bell that rings in the key of A to a baby, will lead to their developing this talent. Church musicians also inform us that with a piano on the platform and a trumpet player in the balcony, when the trumpet player blows in the key of A, that on a perfectly tuned piano the A string will resound in response. The psalmist saw a similar correlation between how men’s hearts tuned to the perfect pitch of honesty, integrity, non-prejudice and non-hypocrisy, will cause their hearts to vibrate to God’s voice of truth. Although we don’t find it written anywhere in Scripture, I’m ready to accept that the voices of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are in the perfect pitch. So when anyone of them speaks, someone with a perfectly tuned heart will automatically respond. No wonder the apostle Paul tells us that on the day of resurrection, the dead in Christ will respond first to the sound of the trumpet (1Co. 15:52), a truth he learned from the Master words (Mt. 24:31). But like a piano, or other instrument, we must go to the Master Tuner to be adjusted to the proper key. So ask yourself, when was the last time you went to Him for a tune up?

KINGSHIP AND KINSHIP –

As the compilers of the Psalter put this Song of Ascents section together, they also wanted the pilgrims to remember those who went before them that made this all possible; especially King David’s passion for reverencing and esteeming the One True God of Israel. In so doing, it was also their desire that the pilgrims realize that the Ark of the Covenant should not be mistaken as an idol or man-made image of God in any form. Rather, it was to be honored and treasured, not as an object of worship, but as a beloved and highly respected symbol of God’s holy presence among His people; a place to meet with a God in the presence of His Holy Spirit.

“O LORD Eternal, don’t forget David and all the things he accomplished; how he vowed to the LORD Eternal and made this oath to the Mighty One of Jacob: ‘I will not walk into my ornate palace, nor climb into my comfortable bed, nor close my eyes in peaceful sleep until I build a house for the LORD Eternal; a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Jacob!’ That’s when we heard about the Ark of the Covenant sitting in the Jearim forest near Ephrath. So we said, ‘Let’s take it to a secure covering so we can bow down before the Holy of Holies. We want to lift You up onto Your pedestal, O LORD Eternal; You and Your mighty Ark of the Covenant!’ So let the ministers be adorned in their finest; let all Your saints stand and shout for joy! On behalf of David Your servant, do not disappoint the one You’ve anointed. The LORD Eternal made a vow to David that I know He will never go back on. He said, ‘I will set your descendants on your throne if they keep My covenant and My proclamations that they will learn from Me so that your sons will reign in your stead indefinitely.’ That’s why the LORD Eternal chose His sanctuary as His dwelling place when He said, ‘This is where you’ll always find Me, this is where I’ll live because I want to. I will provide for those who gather there and see to it that the destitute have bread to eat. I will clothe its ministers with power so that the saints will shout for joy. I will make sure that the one I have chosen will blossom there because I have prepared a torch for My Anointed. His enemies will be covered with shame while the crown on his head will sparkle.” Psalm 132:1-18

Reflection: Almost every adult American from the greatest generation recognizes the famous sculpture of the five U.S. Marines: Private First Class Ira Hayes, Private First Class Franklin Sousley, Corporal Harlon Block, Sergeant Michel Strank, Private First Class Rene Gagnon, and Navy Hospital Corpsman Pharmacist Mate Second Class John Bradley; who raised the American flag during WWII on top of Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, Japan, at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, February 23, 1945. Today it still flies in honor of the thousands of military men and women who gave their lives in order for it to be planted there. Three of the Marines pictured in the statue never left the island alive; the other three came back as heroes. But even that magnificent moment for U.S. Marines and the one spoken of here in this psalm will pale in comparison to the day Messiah returns to plant His emblem of victory and triumph on the same spot where David erected his tent, and Solomon built the temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. No wonder the song that Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote in anticipation of that hour thrills hearts and brings tears to the eyes of those who sing it with great joy: “O the King is coming, the King is coming! I just heard the trumpets sounding, and now His face I see; O the King is coming, the King is coming! Praise God, He’s coming for me!” So the next time the battle gets rough and the conflict escalates, plant your cross on the hill you just conquered and begin to sing this song of faith and hope. You’ll be amazed how it deflates the enemy’s spirit and moral. Do it not only for yourself, but in honor and memory of all those pilgrims who’ve gone before and defeated the enemy in the past. But most of all do it to magnify the one who died on the cross to give us our freedom from sin and Satan. Wear His emblem of the cross with pride; let it be your Ark of the Covenant for the entire world to see.

ARE YOU BEING SUCCESSFUL OR SIGNIFICANT –

Adding to their various themes in the Song of Ascents, the compilers of the Psalter now choose a psalm that addresses the motivations for pursuing objects of need or desire. Although it is a short psalm, the principle is one that takes the longest to learn. A pilgrim must see the contrast between being driven by pride in a quest for power and prominence, and that of serving in humility which brings greater rewards of contentment with more lasting achievements than those gained when motivated by conceit. The reality of one’s true expectations and methods used must be acknowledged. Everyone must accept their limitations and live within their means and abilities. Such humility eliminates the fear of failure and disappointment.

“O LORD Eternal, I’ve never thought of myself as being egotistical, nor am I stuck up; I don’t seek the spotlight or wish for things I don’t really deserve. As a matter of fact, I’ve grown out of those things; I don’t consider myself a child anymore, I’m all grown up now. To all believers I say, put your hope in the LORD Eternal, and let it remain that way.” Psalm 131:1-3

Reflection: After the great African-American Booker T. Washington served as president of Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1881, a wealthy white lady stopped him as he walked in an exclusive section of town. Thinking him to be a Negro out of work, she asked him if he’d like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood. Because he had no pressing items on his agenda at that moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do what she requested. When finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. It was then that one of the maids recognized him and subsequently revealed his true identity to the lady. The next morning, the highly embarrassed woman went to see Dr. Washington in his office at the school and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Ma’am,” Washington replied. “Occasionally I enjoy manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude endeared him to her heart. Shortly afterward, she expressed her admiration by persuading wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute for black teachers. Both the Psalmist and Professor Washington give us examples of how powerful humility and meekness of spirit prove to be, even in the eyes of those who possess wealth and prestige. But without doubt, the greatest model of lowering oneself for a great cause comes in the example of Jesus Christ. If these great men show us the value and worth of putting oneself out or at risk for the good of others, how much more then ought we follow their pattern of humility. Jesus’ personal views on this subject were expressed so eloquently when He told His disciples, “Whoever wants to be first must willing to take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” And look at what the Son of God was able to accomplish out of humility instead of pride. You cannot do any better than to be like Jesus.

We should never make God a prisoner of our experiences, ideas, emotions or interpretations of life. We should not idolize events happening around us or in our lives as acts of God just because we cannot understand or make sense of them. Accept what happens in life as part of existing in this world and its environment. Then turn to God as ask Him what you can learn through what just happened. That will open your heart and mind to His involvement and direction. God may not always explain it to you, but He will monitor how you respond to it. While He doesn’t need your help in fighting His battles, He is surely available to assist you in fighting yours. Yes, God does do great and marvelous things, be we recognize them immediately because we know only God could do it. As the Scripture says, “Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own perception of things. With every step you take, think about what He wants, and He will help you understand how to cope.” – Dr. Robert R Seyda

When you get to this link, scroll down to the video and press the play arrow on the scree and get ready to laugh a joyous laugh.