Psalms 122:1-9 (NLT)
1 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
2 And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached.
4 All the tribes of Israel—the LORD’s people—make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD, as the law requires of Israel.
5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.”
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.
For the purpose and desire of the Great Creator to be fulfilled in those He created, there will be their gathering together at their own encouragement and inspiration. Sometimes those who will be a part of that honoring are but in need of a “let us go.”
And though it is the people God loves to occupy, to enhance and enable their unity, there is a place He provides for. There will be an anointing in His presence that will break yokes of bondage, but it needs a place for the gathering of those He will present Himself to. For David, the response to the call to go into the house of the Lord resulted in a gathering inside the walls of Jerusalem. His dwelling and His temple is the hearts of those who gather, and yet He ordains the place well they will require to do so effectively. Even the of the saints beyond life on this earth is to a new Jerusalem. (Revelation 21)
With understanding of God’s passion to dwell in hearts of people, there can also be submission for the plans and provisions for their gathering. The praises He will occupy require a venue that is also worthy of those who would carry His glory. Though the structures we gather in are not where He desires to dwell, the living stones that are that place are provided with a space that is honoring of them and ultimately Him.
The temple was God’s design and passion, not so He could go to an empty place, but so those He created for fellowship could be honored as His treasured people. Rather than inspiring distain and resistance, the call to “go to the house of the Lord” should inspire gladness and joy.