BE BLESSED

 

     When someone reads the writings of David who was King od Israel you find a profound and complex man.  He was a statesmen, warrior, writer, psalmist, philosopher, propjet and King.  David recorded some 1000 years before Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead many of the incidents that happened to Jesus on the Day of his passion.

     Today we are going to learn some lessons from Psalm 128 from this wonderful man.    He says blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.  The "fear of the Lord" in the Bible refers to having a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God’s power and authority.  It does not mean being afraid of God but rather leads to love for Him.  It involves standing in awe of God's majesty, power, wisdom, justice, and mercy.  The fear of the Lord is also related to the theological virtue of hope3. It warns us to be mindful of God and not to trivialize His judgment or wrath.  Obedience to God is a key aspect of the Christian faith. It demonstrates our love for God and respect for His authority. When we obey Him, we honor His wisdom, goodness, and right to govern our lives. Obedience to God involves faith, trust, love, and a willingness to share in His sufferings.

You will eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.

     You will eat the fruit of your labor and enjoy what you do.  You will be blessed.  You are honored, consecrated to the Lord.  You have his blessings, benefits and promises.  You live in spiritual, material, emotional, intellectual and completeness in the Lord.  Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.  Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.  Your spouse will be fruitful in every area of life.   Your children will be saved, sanctified and holy.  You shall see household salvation.  This is the blessing, promise and benefit of being a person who serves the Lord.

     He then states may the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, all the days of your life.  The Lord will bless you from where He is to where you are.  The blessings come whenever, whenever you find yourself.  May you see the prosperity of your community.  The place where you dwell.  This will be all the days of your lives.  This is a daily blessing.  It is the mercies of God every morning because God is faithful.

     David relays that you will live to see your children’s children, peace be on Israel.  The legacy and promise of this psalm is that you will see the your children and grandchildren.  Long life and family. 

It will be a place of peace.  This is psalm that was sang or recited by the pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem during one of feasts.  This psalm is one of legacy and blessing.

     The Lord wants your marriage and family to be blessed.  It starts with the foundation of the Lord.  It is the glue that holds a family together.  It has been said the family that prays together stays together.  I have found that to be true in my life.  I have been married since 1979 to the same wonderful lady.  The reality is that you have two imperfect people who see each other as perfect for them.  Something to think about today.