Psalm 122:8

Psalm 122:8

For the sake of family and friends

It is a well-known fact that every Israelite tried to arrange a visit to Jerusalem at least once per year but preferably, three times. There were three major festivals: -

Pesach             Passover or the Feast of unleavened Bread               March / April

Shavuot           The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)                                 April / May

Sukkot             The Feast of booths or Tabernacles                           Sept / October

 

Jesus was found in Jerusalem on a number of these important Feast Days and His teaching often reflected the events that were unfolding in the city at that time. It follows that anything that stood in the way of these annual celebrations was to be avoided if at all possible. Illness and sickness could not be helped but being held captivity by enemies like the Babylonians was a heart-breaking experience for these people. If anything happened that cut them off from Jerusalem or its Temple, it was a major and national calamity. That is why David prays for the peace of Jerusalem, it’s not just because he is the King but also for the sake of his family, his friends, in fact everyone in Israel. 

Do we pray for the peace and security of our country? Do we pray for the peace and security of our church or the Christian witness in our land? Do we pray that freedom to worship and to meet with other believers must be upheld, and God’s Name must be honoured and worshipped in our world? For the sake of our friends and our families? In recent years the ancient spiritual walls of many countries have been pulled down, invaders have entered with their false religions and their philosophies. The Name of the Lord our God has become nothing but a swear word for most and the morality of the land is in steep decline. It is time to pray for the peace of our nation, Godly peace, for the sake of our families and friends. 

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