Glad to be In the House of the Lord

Text

Psalm 122:1 – “« A Song of degrees of David. » I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

Introduction

For the last year and a half, we all have been through a lot with the Covid-19 pandemic. Either personally, through family, friends, co-workers or neighbors, everyone has been affected by this virus. In fact, as the virus mutates into new variants, we continue to suffer its affects. I currently work at a Trauma 1 hospital and receive daily updates about the virus and its victims. So, there is no doubt in my mind that the virus is real and can be deadly.

Because of this virus, life as we once knew it has changed, and fear grips the minds of so many people. Businesses, schools, colleges, and even houses of worship have closed their doors or reopened with several restrictions—some requiring mandatory vaccinations, face masks, social-distancing, and time-limits on indoor gatherings. These are facts not opinions.

Although society is beginning to reopen—restrictions notwithstanding, most people are glad to see some form of normalcy. Many people with whom I have spoken are of the opinion that what we are now experiencing with the reopening restrictions is the new normal. That very well may be true, but I do not concur with that opinion. However, I do share the gladness in seeing life beginning to return to what we would call normal.

I am glad to see schools and businesses reopen. But nothing makes me gladder than to see the church reopen, which brings me to my text.

Psalms 120-136, which includes our text, comprises what is known as the “Great Hallel” or “Songs of Ascent.” The Jewish pilgrims sang these songs on their way up to Jerusalem to observe and celebrate three annual occasions: (1) Unleavened Bread; (2) Weeks/Pentecost/Harvest; and (3) Tabernacles/Booths.

David, the great psalmist of Israel is the author of our text Psalm 122. In it, David reflects upon the joyous occasion of when it was his tribes turn to go and worship in the house of Lord. Although the temple had not yet been constructed, the Tabernacle was considered the Lord’s House. David’s enthusiasm leaps off the page and he reflects upon the blessed opportunity to go into the house of the Lord.

V.1- “« A Song of degrees of David. » I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

Notice that David uses the personal pronoun “I.” This lets us know that this is David’s personal view. In other words, David is saying, “I cannot, nor am I trying to speak for anybody else, but I was glad.” According to Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament words, the Hebrew word for “glad”is samach saw-makh’, which means to rejoice, be joyful or be merry. “Samach usually refers to a spontaneous emotion or extreme happiness which is expressed in some visible and/or external manner. It does not normally represent an abiding state of wellbeing or feeling. This emotion arises at festivals, circumcision feasts, wedding feasts, harvest or the overthrow of one’s enemies, and other such events.”

So, what prompted this outpouring of joy and gladness? I am so glad you asked. David said it was “when.” Now, “when”suggests a particular time or occasion. Well, what was the time or occasion? David said, it was when I heard the invitation, and the opportunity arrived that I could “go.” The word “go” is a verb which suggests movement from one place to another. For instance, I suspect that when this service ends, you will probably not stay here, but leave or “go” somewhere else. You may be glad to go wherever you are going, or you may not. Yet, for David, it was not simply the going part which made him glad, but it was where he was going. Amen somebody. David was going “into the house of the Lord.”

There was something special about the house of the Lord. The Lord’s house was unlike any other house. It was the place appointed by God where He would meet with His people. God’s shekinah glory inhabits the praises of His people. It was always a blessing to be in the presence of the Lord.

Conclusion

As I close, I just want to say that I am glad to see life getting back to normal. I am glad that the children are going back to school and businesses reopening. But nothing makes me gladder than coming into the house of the Lord. Amen somebody. I agree with David. I was glad when I got the opportunity to go into the house of the Lord. The house of the Lord reflects heaven. God is worshipped and glorified. There is peace, joy, and love in heaven.

The Father’s house is where I desire to dwell for eternity. It is the destiny of every child of God. I heard Jesus say, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (5)Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

I don’t know about you, but I am Glad to be in the House of the Lord. AMEN.