Conclusion to Psalms of Ascent

The study is over!  

I am sad!

I usually am when a Bible study is over,

it's like saying good-bye to a good friend.

But all good things must come to an end.

And so we conclude with 

Psalm 134

It's a benediction to those who had traveled

so far, the pilgrims who came to Jerusalem 

3 different times through the year.

This song is a song of blessing

blessing the Lord

and being blessed by the Lord.

Only 3 little verses 

but so powerful.

So worship, bless, acknowledge your God!

And receive blessings from Him that outnumber your blessing.

I'm going to include Beth's blessing to us, because it was so good!!!

"My beloved sister in Christ...

May God keep your heart set on pilgrimage.

May He keep your eyes upon the destination and never let you forget that your Goal is a person, Jesus Christ, and He is waiting for you - in person - at your finish line.

May you always remember what a great cloud of witnesses cheers you on in your journey to Mount Zion and bids you to "Be brave!"  The race is not long, Beloved, so run hard!

May your eyes be open to snares your enemy sets in you r path and, should you tumble in the ditch, may your troubled heart be disallowed to condemn you.  Jump in the air, twirl around, and buck like a bronco with repentance before your God until not a single speck of mud is left on your feet.  Let God wash them in the water of His Word and plant them back on your path.

When we feel heavy-laden in our journeys, may we check first to see if it's the burden of a swollen ego or the load of taking on a role that only belongs to God.

May we lay down what has no place in our packs and run with the wind.

When life is excruciating, may you find the strength in Christ to crawl on your hands and knees, sowing the Word of God and watering it with your tears.

May you never forget that you are inconceivable loved and that God will prove infinitely faithful.  And your way to the great feast in the heavenly Jerusalem, may you glance often to your right and to your left and offer a fellow pilgrim a helping hand.

May the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion."