Whither The Tribes Go Up (Psalm 122:4a)

Beloved congregation, what a privilege it is to go up to the house of the Lord.  This was in the days of the Old Testament, exclusive for only the tribes of Israel.  Going up tells us that the temple at Jerusalem was situated on the higher part of the holy city.  There were the thrones of judgment, where they prayed for peace within the walls.  They also prayed for peace with God.  Manifold were their enemies around them.  Once at the beginning of the New Testament, shepherds heard a heavenly singing regarding peace upon earth.  We can read in the newspaper that until today the country of Israel is under attack.  Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for their conversion.  How many times was the preaching for the hungry and thirsty inhabitants of the city relief for their burdened souls.  How many came from all over to Jerusalem to attend their holy feasts and left the city again with a spiritual blessing.  May it please the Lord to dwell among us today for the same end, by converting the unconverted ones, encouraging the discouraged ones, and thereby giving us and our children a place among those tribes.  May the Sabbath day be blessed.

                                                                                                                             Rev. de Leeuw

The women followed Him...

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women which also bewailed and lamented him.  Luke 23:27

These loving and bold women, which openly lamented Him, put the disciples to shame.  They all had fled away.  Where was Peter now, who had promised Jesus to enter into death with Him?  Where was Thomas, who had said, Let us also go, that we may die with him?  No, the disciples had all fled away.  Should we then not praise these women, and rebuke the fearful disciples?  They should be ashamed, since before they thought so highly of themselves, and now they were so ashamed and fearful.

Whether these women were good housekeepers or not, I do not know, but it appears that they feared God and loved Jesus.  Upon the journey to eternity this is all that counts.

Solomon says:  A woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

On this occasion I may, for once, ask the women how is it between God and your soul?  Are you busy in your household?  Perhaps you are very competent and all is going well; but what comfort shall that give you on your deathbed?   How will it help you when you are dying, even if they praise you highly at the day of your funeral?  But if you have learned to Him to be your King, then He shall support you upon your deathbed and into the everlasting eternity!

Wulfert Floor
Watch and Pray

April 7 meditation