Psalm 126

“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3 (NKJV)

Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?  Jeremiah had prophesied that the time of Israel and Judah’s captivity would be 70 years, and exactly 70 years later, King Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.

“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.  Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem.  And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God, which is in Jerusalem.  Then the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the Lord, which is in Jerusalem.  And all those who were around them encouraged them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered.” Ezra 1:2-6 (NKJV)

Upon first hearing Cyrus’ decree permitting their return to Jerusalem, the Jewish people who were inclined to return could not believe it!  It was like a dream, but then they laughed and eventually sang!  It is exactly how I would react if the Publisher’s Clearinghouse folks showed up at my front door with one of those huge golf tournament-sized checks!!  Disbelief turns to rejoicing!  Can you imagine singing this song as you were making your ascent to worship in Jerusalem, especially if, last year, you were a slave in Babylon?  Unbelievable, yet completely doable with God.  Even the Gentiles were amazed.  And that is our lesson, isn’t it?  NEVER GIVE UP ON GOD because He never gives up on you.  Notice how the psalmist moves from the rejoicing of the remnant to longing for revival among those who have yet to return.

“Bring back our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South.” Psalm 126:4 (NKJV)

Oh, that such a spirit could grip the believers of our nation, a country so desperately in need of revival!  Let our songs of rejoicing be mixed with pleas for revival, so our countrymen could rejoice in salvation, as well.  Lord, let our friends and neighbors who sow tears today reap a harvest of joy by this time next year!

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.  He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:5-6 (NKJV)