Pilgrim Songs--Psalm 121 and John 11:8-11

Comprehension--The writer of this psalm is unnamed.  Only 5 have named authors--4 by King David and 1 by his son, King Solomon.  As the pilgrims begin their journey, they consider the end--Jerusalem, a city on a hill.  They rehearse the goodness of the protection of Yahweh (the personal name of the God of Israel), provided both personally and collectively.  

Interpretation--The trip to Jerusalem was quite a hike.  There have been archaeological finds that support the idea of "Walking Roads" that led to Jerusalem.  They were narrow, about half as wide as nearby Roman roads, and winding. The uneven, crowded roads would be treacherous!!  If it was a 3-5 day journey, they would need to camp along the way.  There is strength in the number of pilgrims, but they are traveling through occupied territories.  They would face danger in the daytime, but increased danger at night in the form of robbers.  But instead of focusing on the journey, they focus on the destination. They look ahead to the temple of God, and they proactively put their trust in God for any hardship they may or may not face.  They have set their mind on worship, and they are working out the kinks of the fear of the journey by exercising their "muscle memory"--what they KNOW about God.  

*Christ Connection*--John 11:1-44 tells the story of Lazarus.  This story happened approximately 10-14 days before the pilgrimage to Passover began, and the connection is found in verses 8-11.  Jesus receives word that His beloved friend is very sick and, although He takes His own sweet time starting His journey to him, the disciples are freaking out that He's going at all.  Doesn't He remember that there are people in Bethany who want to stone Him???  But Jesus reminds the disciples to look ahead.  Of course there's danger ahead--there always is, whether you can see it or not.  But look again, at the end of the journey---LIFE!

Application--Putting my vivid imagination to work, I can just see this group of pilgrims like an army--marching and singing their cadences.  I see the author, like the drill sergeant, asking the question "From where does my help come?" and the others responding "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." These verses change me by reminding me that worship requires me not to just love and feel, but to learn and know.  If I don't have the knowledge that God has me safe in His keeping, then any bump in the road or bump in the night will leave me crippled and afraid.  Walking the path to worship often will develop muscle memory, (much like you know the way to your own bathroom at night without the light on or without really even waking up!) and will teach you to trust in our God--Yahweh, who never slumbers or sleeps.  He will keep you from this time forth and forevermore.