Comprehension and Interpretation--Now that they've arrived at their destination, it's time to worship! They have completed their purpose and there is relief and joy at a successful sacrifice. They are either staying up late to celebrate or they've gotten up early to start the trip home. Either way, the writer leads his fellow pilgrims to come and kneel before the Lord, joining the guards and others who live and work in the temple. They are raising their hands in praise, kneeling before God and blessing His name. They call out blessings to each other as their visit to Jerusalem comes to an end, and remind each other that all heaven and earth is created by God.
*Christ Connection*--Passover has ended and Jesus has been in the tomb for 3 days. (Easter and Passover do not exactly coincide due to calendar changes since His death and resurrection. But the connection is still there.) Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb while it's still dark. I wonder if she can hear groups of pilgrims, leaving the city and returning home. I wonder if she can hear them calling out blessings to each other and calling for praise toward God. How sad she must have felt, hearing life go on as normal, as if her Teacher had not just brutally died. But as she stood, crying and ready to anoint His body with oil and spices, she sees the servants of the Lord, who stand guard over the tomb by night and they ask her why she's seeking the living among the dead. She turns and sees a man who, when He calls her by name, she realizes is Jesus--Alive! According to Matthew 28, she ran with Great Joy to tell the others!
Application--I have so enjoyed studying these Pilgrim Songs, and the attempt to hear them as Jesus and His followers would have. These chapters have changed me by showing me there can be a pattern to worship, one that keeps our focus on The One we worship. They've given me a glimpse into the life of Jesus, who went to the temple for His very first Passover as a 12 year old boy (Luke 2:41-52) They have shown me that the Old and New Testament are not two different stories, but that "The Old Testament is a beautifully furnished, yet dimly lit room. Jesus switched on the light." (paraphrased quote by BB Warfield). I wonder if Mary's joyful cries mixed with the songs of the departing pilgrims. And I wonder if, when we go to church this Sunday to worship, our songs will join the songs of the ages in worship of the Risen One.
Prayer--I pray that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)
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