Pilgrim Songs--Psalm 131 and John 17:1-26

Comprehension and Interpretation--The 12th verse of the Song of Ascents, the song sung by Hebrew pilgrims going to Shiloh or Jerusalem to worship.  This verse, written by David, leads the congregation to come before the Lord with a child-like trust.  He sings out that he's taking some time not to think too deeply, or look too hard at things he may never understand.  He's just calm and content, knowing that God is in charge of anything and everything.  

*Christ Connection*--We are backing up a little from the verses yesterday, but I think it makes a great connection.  Jesus is praying the High Priestly prayer.  The High Priest bridged the gap between the people and the Presence of God in the temple.  Only the High Priest could go into the Holy of Holies, a portion of the temple where God's presence resides. The pilgrims are pouring into Jerusalem with sacrifices. (Often they bought items for sacrifice at the temple.  We see Jesus turning over tables in Mark 12:15-19 because the worshipers were being charged way too much for what they needed.) They will count on the High Priest to make the sacrifice on their behalf.  I wonder if Jesus heard and remembered the lyrics "I have calmed and quieted my soul" and did the same.  He knew what was coming, and as we saw yesterday, the knowledge that He would die caused Him great stress.  But during this prayer, He's not looking too far ahead.  He's taking stock of what He has accomplished through His ministry.  He has accomplished the work God gave Him to do.  He has started the good work by feeding the people the Word of God.  Much as a mother weans her child, Jesus has completed the training and is releasing them to continue the work.  "I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." His coming sacrifice will completely bridge the gap between God and man.  

A--When a baby is first born, it has no worry of where it's next meal will come from.  The baby just cries and the need is met--or it isn't--but the baby has no capacity to worry or wonder.  As the baby grows, so does the understanding that if he/she cries, a certain person will come and provide nourishment.  They start to understand the process, but the trust is based on supply and demand.  But after a child is weaned, there is a growing understanding-- my mother provided everything I needed to grow and thrive.  That causes them to lean in to their mother with a calm and content trust.  This chapter changes me by reminding me to do the same.  It is beneficial to recount all that Jesus has already taught us. It's good to review His track record for our good and for His glory.  If Jesus can calm and quiet His soul, completely trusting the work of His Father, so can I.