Pilgrim Songs--Psalm 123 and John 12:20-36

Comprehension--(I skipped comprehension because it's pretty understandable.)

Interpretation--The pilgrims look past the Holy City they’re traveling to and look towards the heavens, where God is on His throne.  The psalmist admits that he and his fellow pilgrims are longing for mercy from His hand.  The only thing he can compare it to is as a servant/maid and his/her master or mistress.  If the servants look to their owners for deliverance and provision, how much more can the tribe of Israel expect from the God who loves them.  The Israelites admit that they are full of personal sin, and also have faced ridicule and judgement from those who think they are better.  They  hope in the presence of God they can find some much longed for relief.  

*Christ Connection*--After His entry into Jerusalem for Passover, the disciples get word to Jesus that some Greeks (non-Jews) wished to see Him.  He says they WILL see Him, and so will everyone else, because the time has come for Him to be honored.    Just as in the pilgrims song, servants of Christ Jesus should be looking to Him for deliverance and mercy. Maybe  Jesus considered the lyrics to Psalm 123 and reminded His followers that they need to have  eyes and hearts of servants, looking to Him as Master.  Jesus feels the contempt of those who have been looking to arrest and even kill Him.  He admits that His soul is troubled, but He's not about to back down from His purpose.   I wonder if He heard the pilgrims singing in the distance "I lift my eyes to You!" The promise of being lifted up, both on the cross in crucifixion and in resurrection, will give the worshipers Someone to lift their eyes to, the only One who can give them mercy they so desire.  

Application--Psalm 123:3-4 make me think of the day we live in.  Everyone is so full of contempt for each other and it is contagious!!  I find myself taking the hatred that others share and embedding it in my own heart and mind.  Until I feel it's part of my very soul.  There are things that deserve our disgust, no doubt.  There are those who mock us for our beliefs and actions.  It's only in lifting MY eyes first (Psalm 123:1) can I then lead others to look to Him. (Psalm 123:2)  Our reaction, both to our sin and the sin of others, should be to lift our eyes to Jesus, and hang on His every word.  He is lifted up as the standard of Mercy.   The mercy we need for ourselves.  And the mercy we need to extend to those who walk in darkness.