A song of ascents.
1-When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
2-Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3-The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.
4-Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev.
5-Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6-He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
God says in this that He will bless us as we bless others with the message, with the gospel. Here’s God’s plan. The going of the servant. The flowing of the tears. The sowing of the seed, and the mowing of the harvest. Through all of this, We are filled with joy even in the tears! The Negev in this is a dessert in southern part of Israel. This is powerful because its the flowing of life and the restoring of a land that is desolate. This small portion of the chapter is such a beautiful reflection of the first coming of Christ. This is why we celebrate Christmas, and why we call this season advent.
We as Christians should be filled with joy in Him. When Christ was born He started the flowing of streams in this dry place. When He died on the cross we were saved from our sin and through him we become like streams in the Negev until he returns.
The outcome of a walk with Christ is joy. We are blessed to be the love we wish to see in the world.
by Michael Thomson