It is great to be home, to be with friends and loved ones. One Psalm was on my mind during the four weeks of my travels. Having crossed a few national borders, some open and welcoming, others tight, rough and hostile I though of birds flying over all barriers freely, and the 84th psalm was on my mind. Written by sons of Korah, who were the doorkeepers at the Temple (1st Chronicles 26:18) this psalm gives an interesting perspective on life. They stood at the Temple doors taking turns with other families and every time they were away from the Temple they longed to return: “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (v.2)
No one was able to walk over or into the Temple simply for pleasure, yet the little sparrow has found a home there, and the swallow a nest for herself and for her young, a place near the altar. Imagine that! Having a home right at the altar of God’s Presence! Even the busy restless sparrow quieting down and finding rest at the altar. The cheap bird, used often as a symbol of insignificance, residing right at the throne seat of God.
This Sabbath I invite you to look at the three blessings offered by the sons of Korah that are so meaningful to all of us.
Verse 4: Blessed and happy are those who can live in God’s house, always singing God’s praises.
Verse 5: Blessed and happy are those who are strong in the LORD, who have set the main road of their minds, the highway of their imagination toward God, who are on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Verse 12: O LORD Almighty! Blessed and happy are those who trust in you.
As I traveled I pondered these thoughts knowing that everywhere I’ll go I’d find God’s House and God’s people journeying together in the same direction. Indeed I met happy people who became a blessing to me in every city, in every church I visited.
On my journey I experienced over and over that it is better to be one day in God’s courts than a thousand elsewhere. I am back here in London in a familiar court, in a familiar House of Praise and Prayer, reminding my faith-family of the blessing and happiness that is available through worship, reminding to set our minds on the journey, to keep in plain view the Heavenly Jerusalem, and inviting all to find happiness in trusting God wholly.
