Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

Wherever there is unity and harmony as a result of the oil of his Spirit flowing and the refreshing of the dew of his Word being received, there will be life. ‘The power of life’, enhancement of life,’ ‘eleva- tion of life.’ 7 The stronger will be ministering to the weak, the richer to the poor, the educated one will inform the ignorant, the healthy minister to the sick, the free will liberate the enslaved, the joyful minis- ter to the sad, the anointing of his love will flow down.

1 Keil & Delitzsch 2 Spence 3 Tenny 4 Keil & Delitzsch 5 Tenny, Vol. 3: page 126 6 Spurgeon 7 Kraus

PSALM 134: BLESS THE LORD Worshiping God in the Night Seasons

This is the last pearl in the necklace of the ‘Songs of Ascent’ and is a doxology (closing praise) for the 15 songs that lead us upwards in worship. The Songs of Ascent began in Psalm 120 with the psalmist lamenting in the land of Meshech and Arabia and they end here in Jerusalem in the closing hours of the night on Mount Zion, in the house of the Lord within the ‘Holy Place.’ The expressions of worship taught in the psalm are brief but effective in entering into the blessing of God’s presence. The essential ques- tions of praise and worship are answered here: What? Who? When? Where? and How? The psalmist is instructing us how to persevere in the night seasons of life. It is outlined in two small sections:

I BLESS THE LORD - 1, 2- The Responsibilities of the Levites II THE LORD BLESS YOU - 3- The Response of the Lord

INTRODUCTION:

“A Song for the ascent to Jerusalem.”

(See ‘Introduction to the Songs of Ascent)

I

BLESS THE LORD - 1, 2- The Responsibilities of the Levites

“Oh, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve as night watchmen in the house of the Lord. Lift your hands in holiness, and bless the Lord.” (1, 2) 1. What?- “Oh, bless the Lord…” The beginning word “Oh” denotes strong, impassioned emotion. This is not a passive song but a commanding ode that directs the servants of the Lord to bless; ‘to rec- ognize someone in his position of power and his claims to greatness in all due form.’ 1 To ‘bless’ is to praise with fullness of love. If not for this psalm, the night seasons in the house of the Lord might have been spent in calm silence. 2. Who?- “…all you servants of the Lord,…” All the servants of the Lord and particularly the mu- sical singers are instructed to bless the God of Israel. “The musicians, all prominent Levites, lived at the Temple. They were exempt from other responsibilities there since they were on duty at all hours.” (1 Chron. 9:33) The leaders of worship must discipline their souls to focus on God when the light of his promises is dim, so the nation will not fall into a spiritual sleep. We are all called to be servants of the Lord in the New Covenant: “What’s more, you are God’s holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 2:5) 3. When?- “…you who serve as night watchmen...” There are spiritual seasons of darkness in each persons life; it is in these moments the only light that shines is the promise of his word and the glory of his presence.

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