Today’s passage: Psalm 128
Helpful thoughts:
- This psalm is written as a blessing for those who fear the Lord.
- The aspects of blessing that are desired for the god fearing man in Israel at the writing of this psalm are productive work, a faithful wife, and children in good fellowship with the family.
- These blessings are not just to be viewed as an individual, but as part of a larger community (Verses 5-6).
- Whatever blessings we might receive from the Lord, they aren’t to be seen as simply a transaction or repayment for our good deeds. Instead, we fear the Lord because He alone is God, and then we and our community joyfully benefit from the good gifts He gives.
Questions to consider:
- If we were to read this psalm as a checklist for God to keep when we do right, what would go wrong? What might our checklist look like? What if our checklist of blessing was different than the blessings God had in mind? If we think God owed something to us for our own righteousness, would we be fearing the Lord or understanding grace?
- When a God-fearing man or woman does receive blessing from the Lord, what would their response probably be? How would they view the blessing?
- Though the blessings in verses 2-3 are truly special, why does it make sense to see them as examples and not something all should expect? What are other blessings that God gives to people who fear Him? What blessings can you be thankful for today?