Advent Day 8
Today let's consider the 18 verses of Psalm 132. In this Psalm there is an emphasis placed on the Ark of the Covenant, David’s throne, and the mercy of God. These three things were very important to the Old Testament people. This is because these three things were promises the OT people of God trusted and placed great hope in.
Let me provide some quick context to our text. The ark was a covenantal agreement between God and His people. It was through the ark God made closeness with His people available. The temple then furthered this relationship with God and His people through providing a physical and stationary structure. Regarding mercy, a helpful way for us to consider this reality is illustrated for us in John 2:19. In this passage Jesus says He will destroy and raise the temple in three days. Those who heard Him at the time were confused because Jesus was not speaking of the physical structure representing God but rather the temple of His own body. With Jesus’ birth God became flesh, His ultimate gift of mercy to His people.
All three of these, the ark, the temple, and ultimately Jesus’ merciful throne reveal to us a great promise from God. God is a God of mercy and willing to offer His mercy to those who seek Him.
Today in what ways are you struggling? In what ways do you need God’s mercy? Remember, all of God’s promises find there yes in Christ Jesus.
“1 Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured, 2 and how he swore an oath to the Lord, making a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: 3“I will not enter my house or get into my bed, 4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber 5 until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 We heard of the ark in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. 7 Let’s go to his dwelling place; let’s worship at his footstool. 8 Rise up, Lord, come to your resting place, you and your powerful ark. 9 May your priests be clothed with righteousness, and may your faithful people shout for joy. 10 For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one.
11 The Lord swore an oath to David, a promise he will not abandon: “I will set one of your offspring on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I will teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”
13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his home: 14 “This is my resting place forever; I will make my home here because I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless its food; I will satisfy its needy with bread. 16 I will clothe its priests with salvation, and its faithful people will shout for joy. 17 There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one. 18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown he wears will be glorious.”
Psalm 132
