Through the Bible in one year - Day 76

Psalm 76:2

My soul longs, yes, faints

for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and flesh sing for joy

to the living God.

Verse 10:

For a day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Do I really long - yes faint for the courts of the Lord? If I'm honest the answer is not always (maybe never?) I know there have been times when I desire to stay in the Lord's presence ardently, and desire not to leave the mountain top as did Peter - but to say that I faint for the courts of the Lord, I don't know. I am simpatico with verse 10 - this is indeed true in my heart and I can say with certainty that I agree - how much better it would be for me to say with certitude that my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God - all the time; without distractions or selfish detours.

In Exodus we read the additions to the law-those that are added (as they are today) in order to remove loopholes. No longer is "honor your father and mother" sufficient, now we see in 21:15 that “Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death." and in verse 17: “Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death."

However, we also see more than that. We see balance and what as children we are always harping about: fairness. These verses advocate balance and fairness in all our dealings with each other. No longer can we harm without making restitution; no longer can we value our own desires above those of others. This God of the Israelites is not the same as other gods. Master is not better than slave, my wishes do not supersede yours. Even for the actions of our animals will we be held accountable.

Our reading from Nehemiah today is about restitution as well. In this case the restoration of Jerusalem.

Verse 17-18:

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Romans 12:3

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

I began today's readings noting the Psalmist's call to long for the courts of the Lord, and how he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord rather than dwell in the tent of wickedness. Now as I read the remaining passages today I see the call for balance and equitable dealings echoed and know why the house of the Lord is preferable. Yes indeed a day in His courts are better than a thousand elsewhere.

Today’s readings: Psalm 76, Exodus 21:12-22:15, Nehemiah 2, Romans 12