Psalm 126 – A Joyful Return to Zion:
A Song of Ascents.
“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations (Gentiles), “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad. 4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South. 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth (to and fro) weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing (shouts of joy), bringing his sheaves with him.”
When I read this psalm I think of heaven and actually being there with Jesus and all of those who have loved His appearing. Sometimes people will have heaven dreams where they’re in the presence of God, in a beautiful place, with long lost loved ones who are totally renewed. Sometimes folks will have Rapture dreams where they’re caught up and whisked away into heaven where peace, love, joy, and safety are actual things. This psalm depicts the return of the captive Jews from Babylon, and later, those Jews who returned to a national Israel after WW2; and who are still returning to this day. For them, this is not a dream, but a reality, and that reality will be ours also when we are finally brought to our heavenly home.
Heaven will be a place of laughter, singing, and us pondering of the great things that God has done for us and for those who we love. When I was a younger man, before all of the hoopla in my life, it was easier to sing and laugh without an ‘off ramp from a reality’ that has long since passed; for all of us I am sure. However, this world’s version of reality will be like a dream to us when we actually, finally awake in God’s presence. The late Keith Green said, ‘It took God six days to make everything there is in creation; I mean this world will seem like living in a trash can compared to what God has been prepared for us these past 2000 years.’
During the tribulation the Gentile nations will know that God is protecting the Jews, at least those who want His love, provision, and protection (about 1/3rd). They will also see that the global Church, (aka the good people) will be gone, along with all of the innocent children, toddlers, babies, and even the unborn. They will know that God did it for us and He can do it for them if they repent of their wickedness and turn to Him. Because God has delivered us and brought us to His house, a true place of refuge and strength, we will genuinely rejoice and will be glad in Him as a result of it. This is what a lot of our worship songs to the Lord are created from; and worship will be a main theme in heaven.
The phrase, ‘bring back our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South’ can be interpreted to mean ‘bring us back from our captivity as streams in the desert (Negev).’ This was and is our hope in a dry land. Speaking of dry land, have you noticed how the world’s resources are drying up? We’re in the desert phase of our captivity and we long for those refreshing streams of water that bring life in a dry place. It’s like being locked up in a box, unable to get out, yet knowing that if we could escape, we would enjoy the beauty of what God has created for us. Truth be told, we are about ready to be freed from that box and enter into the kingdom that the Lord has prepared for us. However, while we are here, in our box, as it were, we need to be occupying for the Lord, doing good, and sharing the gospel with all who will listen. This is our mandate from the Master.
We may ‘sow in tears at times, but later we will weep with joy’ when we see the result of our sowing, our effort, and our obedience to the Lord. Every day the Lord gives us is another day to sow good seed and we must continually sow the seed of the gospel in the way and manner that God has wired us to do so. I have a pastor friend (Tats) who continually preaches the gospel and leads a team of street ministers who carry large signs, use bull horns, and pass our gospel tracts to all who will hear and receive. While they are met with some resistance, and assaults at times, they are sowing seeds, sometimes with tears, fear, and excitement. While I don’t do what they do, I do pray for them and I witness in the manner in which God has plumbed me to do so. It’s no different with you; step up and share!
When we finally get to the other side, and I am referring to heaven, we will see all of those people who have been won to Christ because of our obedience to the Lord; even when we thought nobody was looking, they are watching and learning. I encourage you today man of God (and the ladies), to be that joyful witness for the Lord, beginning with your family, and working out from there. The Lord is returning for His Church very soon! We need to be a people who are ready, waiting, watching, and witnessing for Him.
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northern Missouri. He lives with his wife of 33-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 