Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
“The first people to sing this psalm had expended much effort to get to Jerusalem. Some came great distances and overcame formidable difficulties. Would there be a tendency among the pilgrims to congratulate one another on their successful journey, to swell with pride in their accomplishment, to trade stories of their experiences? Would there be comparisons on who made the longest pilgrimage, the fastest pilgrimage, who had brought the most neighbors, who had come the most times? Then, through the noise of the crowd, someone would strike up the tune: ‘If GOD doesn’t build . . . guard . . .’” [E. Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction]
How does this psalm change the tune of Israel’s tendencies during pilgrimage?
Was there a time you’ve “stood watch in vain”? How does this psalm change your perspective?
Despite great distances and formidable difficulties related to work, how can we wake each morning?
Declare that the Lord’s mercies are new for us every morning as we rise to work / study!
– WW