OT#10 - Proverbs and the Psalms

Psalm 122 is described as "stepping into the presence of God. What Jerusalem was for the Israelites, the church is to the believer" (from my NIV introduction to this Psalm). I quote the text of Psalm 122 below, but every time the word "Jerusalem" is mentioned, I'm adding within parentheses the words "our Church."

"I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD." Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem (our Church).

Jerusalem (our Church) is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel. There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace* of Jerusalem (our Church): 'May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.'

For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity."

*Bible footnote: The peace sought in these verses is much more than the mere absence of conflict. It suggests completeness, health, justice, prosperity, and protection. The world cannot provide this peace. Real peace comes from faith in God because he alone embodies all the characteristics of peace. To find peace of mind and peace with others, you must find peace with God."

I'm hoping that you're no longer waiting for me to post in order that you may continue reading. I continue to read, even though I don't seem to get the chance to post. (I admit that my reading has been sporadic this Spring/Summer, however.)

Since the last post, you should have read Proverbs 8 through 24 (today is July 24) and Psalms 88 through 128. Thank you for keeping up. This continues our practice of reading three chapters per day.

There are 31 days in July. This means that by July 31, we will have read every chapter in Proverbs three times (with time to read a few select chapters to fill out the month) and every chapter in the book of Psalms (chapters 1 - 131).

I will wait to post again at the end of this month.

May God continue to bless us in our readings and in our understanding. May He bless us with additional insight and wisdom. And may we each be a blessing to someone, somewhere, at some time through the remainder of this month. Amen!