| When I was a kid, I loved visiting my grandparents in the summertime. It was only an hour’s drive away, but most of the trip happened after the ferry ride. Once across, there wasn’t a lot for a kid to see. I would try to count the beach houses. There were a few familiar small-town gas stations and restaurants along the way. But I couldn’t wait to see the water tower. There was a point when I could spot it. It was like it came out of nowhere. It was exciting for me to watch the tower get bigger as we drove closer. The water tower was right across the street from my grandparents’ house. So, the bigger it got, the closer I was to being with the people I loved. Of course, spending time with my grandparents was great. It was a special place for me. And there was always an abundance of ice cream. But getting there was just as much a part of the fun of it all. Psalm 122 opens with those words you’ve probably heard your pastor repeat. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1)! It was a glad invitation. Notice, though, it is an invitation to go. The psalm invokes pilgrimage. To go the the Lord’s house would have meant to trek there. I imagine there was an excitement that filled a worshiper’s entire journey to the temple. There would’ve been potential danger along the way. But the destination warranted the effort of the travel. Now, someone like the psalmist may not have gone to the temple every week. This was a special occasion. Still, I appreciate the gladness and desire to be there. There’s a sense in the text the psalmist has something to bring to his worship and even to the city of Jerusalem. It’s as if the journey itself prepares him to worship. That stands against what a lot of us think of worship. We think much less of what we bring to worship and more of what worship should bring about for us. It’s worth reflecting on where that idea comes from. You and I don’t pilgrimage to worship every week. But we do have a week full of ups and downs, joys and celebrations and plenty of opportunities to experience the grace of Jesus. Consider that all a part of what you bring to worship. As such, you have much to give thanks for. In that sense, it doesn’t matter what songs you’re singing. It’s hard to complain when you’re giving thanks. And the more you prepare your heart to worship, the less you feel God has to give you something in return for your hour on Sunday. As long as it may feel at times, make the week your journey. And be glad when you see Sunday coming closer. Stay blessed…john |
John Fletcher
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