A major portion of our reading today covers the Psalms of ascent which start at Psalm 120 and go to Psalm 134. These 15 Psalms are believed to have been sung by Jewish pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the three major Festivals of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Each of these Festivals were times set aside to thank the LORD for his provision of agricultural produce.

They also were opportunities to remember key events in God’s dealings with Israel. In the Passover, the Jewish people celebrate their deliverance from slavery to Pharaoh by the mighty and gracious hand of the LORD. In the Feast of Pentecost, they remember the giving of the 10 commandments by the LORD to them at Mt. Sinai. And in the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jewish nation remembers God’s sustenance of them in their 40-year wandering in the wilderness after they left Egypt.

No wonder the Jewish people wanted to sing a song like Psalm121. No wonder that they could say with conviction: “I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (verses 1,2). Their forefathers had learned through experience that the LORD would not let their foot slip as they looked to Him and followed in His footsteps. God does not slumber nor sleep. He is not like us or like the gods of Baal. He is able and willing to watch over our coming and going both now and forevermore.

Whether it was the Jewish pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem, or David being hunted by Saul in the Judean desert, or you and I facing the inevitable trials and tribulations of life, the LORD will watch over us and He will not let our feet slip. In Christ’s love and service, Pastor John

Click here for tomorrow’s reading of Psalm 135:1 – Proverbs 6:35.