The Songs of Ascents

A Sermon Series

by

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Psalm 123

Introduction

Have you ever noticed what the Bible has to say about spatial positions when it is speaking about God? Heaven, the place where God dwells, is described as being “above” us. Many times, God is said to sit above the cherubim, those special angelic creatures who inhabit His presence (1 Sam. 4:4). God is said to be exalted above the heavens with glory that is exalted above the earth (Psa. 57:5). His throne is said to be above the stars and in heaven above (Isa. 14:13; Psa. 11:4). The mountain of the house of the LORD, which is a description of God's dwelling place in some Old Testament books, is said to be raised above the hills (Mic. 4:1). God is sometimes petitioned to look down from heaven which is His holy habitation (Deut. 26:15). Against Israel's enemies, God is said to have cast down hailstones from heaven above (Josh. 10:11). When God looks upon the human race, it is said that He looks down from heaven (Psa. 14:2). When Moses received the Commandments, he went up to the LORD on the mountain. When Isaiah had a vision of God, he said the LORD was “sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted.” (Isa. 6:1)

These kinds of descriptions could be multiplied many times. Consistently in Scripture, God is pictured as above us, as dwelling in a place above and beyond our realm of existence, and as looking down on us. And we are pictured as raising our eyes toward heaven at times when we are seeking God, and we are described as raising our prayers to God above. These spatial designations are meant to convey that God is apart from us, that God is superior to us and that we are dependent upon God. These images are intended to reinforce basics truths: He is God and we are creatures; He has all power and we are at His mercy. At no point should these truths be more evident to us than when we gather for worship. The very idea behind worship is that of lesser creatures recognizing and venerating their Maker.

There are several terms that I could use to relate what is being conveyed by those descriptions of God being in heaven, God being above us and God being enthroned above the cherubim. The one term that seems to capture the essence of these images is majesty. The word “majesty” incorporates such concepts as authority, dignity and reverence. But like so many other examples we could think of, the perception of God conveyed by the term “majesty” is not as obviously implanted in our minds as it should be. Do you think of God's majesty as you prepare for church each Sunday? Are you thinking of His majesty-His power, His royal character, His stateliness-as you hear the Call to Worship and hear God's presence invoked in prayer? God's majesty should be the first thing on our minds when we gather for worship. It is that majesty, that quality of God which separates Him from us that obligates us to worship Him and to pray to Him and to sing to Him and to give heed to His Word. It is that quality of majesty that allows us to see this world for what it is and still have hope; it is that quality of majesty that leads us to appear humbly before God knowing that we are here only by His mercy.

In Psalm 123, the writer uses a simple, but effective image to convey the truth of God's majesty and some of the implications of that majesty. This Song contrasts the majesty of God with the misery of this fallen world, and from that state of misery, God's people are able to call upon Him and know that He will extend mercy to them. This Psalm, therefore, although brief, stresses the greatness of God and the merciful character of His concern for us. This short Psalm is like a depiction of our entire existence. The Psalm pictures God majestically enthroned, while His people look to Him confidently for help in time of need.

Our text:

Psalm 123:1 A Song of Ascents. To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us. 3 Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious to us, for we are greatly filled with contempt. 4 Our soul is greatly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

01. What does this Psalm teach us about God?

In Psa. 120, the fact that God cares for His people was prominently taught. That Song reminded us that the LORD has instructed us to call upon Him in the day of trouble; it reminded us that God's character is such that it is only natural that the LORD should be the One to whom creatures turn in times of distress. That Psalm taught us that the LORD waits for the cries of His people and He anticipates their calls for help. Psalm 120 also taught us that the LORD is a God of truth-a God who is truthful and a God who defends truth.

In the next Psalm in this series, Psa. 121, we learned that God is our Helper. The writer of that Psalm declared that he was in search of help and he realized that his help would come from the LORD. I noted then that we know what it means to need help, to want help, to be desperate for help in some circumstance. We know what it means to reach the end of our endurance, the end of our understanding and the end of our ability to maintain our defense. It is at such times that the worshiper of God may ask: “From where shall my help come?” It is at such times that the worshiper of God realizes that nothing of his own doing will bring him the needed relief. It is then that the great truth of God's compassionate help brings us such comfort.

In Psa. 122, which we examined last time, we saw how the writer was glad when the time came to visit the house of God. The very thought of entering God's presence for worship caused that man to rejoice. For him, the presence of the LORD was the one place that brought him a deep, abiding sense of satisfaction. When he was in the presence of the LORD, he was at peace. And so, there was no place on earth like the house of God.

Now we come to Psa. 123. The first thing that this Song teaches us has to do with the majesty of God. Notice how the writer opens this Psalm: “To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!” This worshiper did not describe God as dwelling on the earth. He described God as being enthroned in the heavens. God is high and lifted up; to look to God, as it were, this man must raise his gaze upward. This very act implies the superiority of God.

This Psalm complements the others which emphasized God's presence in Jerusalem. The worshipers understood, of course, that God was not located in any limited sense to a structure or a city. Jerusalem was the earthly location where God called His people to assemble, but it was always understood that the majesty of the true God was far greater than any one place could contain-many other Psalms teach this truth. The writer of this Song stresses that truth as he provides a contrast, as I noted before, between God who is exalted in the heavens and the difficult events associated with life in this fallen environment.

The word translated “enthroned” (yashab) involves more than what you might expect at first. This word carries the idea of “abiding, dwelling, or inhabiting.” It is a term which is often used to describe the settlement of people in a particularly well-suited location. In this case, it is God who is “settled” in the heavens. That is the “place” best-suited for Him, in a manner of speaking. The “heavens” refer to the abode of the stars, the universe, that which is above us and out of our reach. The whole phrase is meant to convey to us the image of magnificence and exclusivity-God alone is enthroned in the heavens.

To “lift up the eyes” is a way of expressing humble inquiry. The writer is the subordinate who reverently raises his eyes toward heaven because that is where God dwells-He is above and apart from the earth; He is above and separated from men. As it turns out, the “enthronement” of God is a common image in the Old Testament. God's being demands that He be “above” us, as it were, and that we raise our eyes to Him in recognition of His perfection. His majesty-all that He is by nature-requires that He be enthroned and that all creatures stand before His throne. His majesty requires that all recognize His authority and conform to it. God's majesty is overwhelming and that is why even visions of His presence convey fear and trembling. The majesty of God is all that He is-His perfection, His righteousness, His sovereignty, His omnipotence. This is the God toward which this writer lifts his eyes.

Following this reminder of God's majesty is the second thing taught about God in this Psalm and the second thing is just as astounding, just as incredible as the first truth. The writer indicates that this majestic God who is enthroned in the heavens is mercifully disposed toward His people. Notice how the writer describes his relationship to the God who is enthroned in the heavens: “as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us.” These two images, the servants looking to the hand of the master and the maid looking to the hand of the mistress, are wonderfully instructive. They both convey the simple truth that though we are lower than God, though we are not like Him and though He rules over us, we are allowed to seek His face and we are allowed to turn our eyes toward Him and expect a favorable reception.

Remember that the writer just identified God as “You who are enthroned in the heavens” and we spent some time exploring that concept. Now he says that this same majestic God, this God who has no equal, extends His hand to us, as it were, so that we might know He is willing to be gracious to us. Here is a picture which represents the meaning of grace. Grace is God's condescension to us and His accommodation of us. God makes Himself known to us and He allows us to have a relationship with Him. In that relationship, we are treated in a loving, patient and kind manner. In that relationship, we know we can turn to God and be heard and be welcomed. Again, this is a truly amazing concept when you consider who God is. This writer opens this Psalm with that statement about God's majesty and then immediately teaches that the majesty of God is not something which keeps us from Him. In His majesty, God receives us. That is a truth which moves the soul to thankful worship.

02. What does this Psalm teach us about those who worshiped God?

As I look at this short Psalm, I see at least three truths revealed about those who sang this Song on their way to worship. First, they knew who God was. This writer uses that image of God which I said earlier is found throughout the Old Testament, that image of God being lifted up, glorified, enthroned above the earth. He was obviously familiar with the way in which his people viewed God. There was just one God who was “enthroned in the heavens,” and that was Jehovah. There was just one God to whom they lifted their eyes in reverent respect and adoration, and that was Jehovah. Those who sang this Song on the way to Jerusalem knew who God was-they knew of His power, His promises, His goodness. They knew of His majesty and they routinely pictured Him as high and exalted above them. The faithful in Israel never treated Jehovah as some local tribal deity. He was always regarded as the only true God, as the Giver and Sustainer of life, as the Source of all goodness, as the Law-giver, and as their Protector.

The second truth revealed about these worshipers is that while they knew all these things to be true about God, while they knew He was altogether alone in His majesty, they also knew that He was favorably disposed toward them, as I noted before. They expected God to be gracious, as the end of v. 2 indicates. The word translated “gracious” (chanan) means “to show favor, to pity, to have mercy on.” This word is found many, many times in the Old Testament and it is used in contexts where God is doing or promises to do something kind and helpful for one in need. Time and time again, it is God who undertakes to help when there is nothing compelling His to act except the need of one of His creatures. This is mercy, this is grace.

Those who worshiped God, therefore, knew that this great God would receive them and hear them and respond to them. They knew that as great and powerful as He was, God still would allow them to have a loving and comfortable relationship with Him. They knew that they could speak to Him and they could approach Him in worship. They knew that though He was enthroned in the heavens, He was aware of them and He cared for them and He was ready to extend His hand to them in time of need.

These first two truths about those who worshiped God form a striking image. The God who is above all in glory is the same God who allows Himself to be known by the people of the earth; and in that relationship, God shows Himself to be gracious not only in receiving His people, but also in coming to their aid. And this is the third truth revealed in this Psalm about those who worshiped God at this point in history. They knew who He was and had an appreciation for His majesty; yet they knew that He was favorably disposed toward them; and now, the rest of the Psalm shows us how God's favor was manifested toward those who worshiped Him.

The writer says that “we are greatly filled with contempt.” (v. 3) This word “contempt” comes from a term (buz) which refers to the intense disdain that one man may heap upon another. Notice that this writer says “we are greatly filled with contempt.” He uses terms which convey the idea of saturation-he doesn't mean that he and his fellow worshipers are the source of the contempt, he means that they are the target, as the next verse makes plain. The wicked were pressing in upon this man and others who loved the LORD and sought to serve Him. They were nearly overcome by the scorn directed toward them. In fact, he goes on to say, “our soul is greatly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.” (v. 4)

The precise historical event which gave rise to this Psalm is unknown, but some speculate that this reflects the experience of the exiles who, upon returning to the land, were faced with the mocking and opposition of pagans. Whatever the case, it is this scorn from the wicked which is the basis for the writer's plea that the LORD would be gracious to him. He is asking God for relief from the misery of a life lived among those who themselves live in rebellion against the LORD. He is on his way to worship the LORD and thoughts of God's magnificence form the context in which he thinks about the deeds of those who do not worship the LORD and this results in his cry to the One enthroned in the heavens. Above the mess of this world sits the LORD, ready to hear and ready to help, and this knowledge brings hope.

03. What does this Psalm teach us about our worship of God?

When we gather for worship, let us understand that we are gathering in the presence of a God whose greatness is unsearchable, whose power is unlimited, whose knowledge is unbounded, and whose will is unrestrained. When we meet here each Sunday morning, we are not coming to a place where the most important element is our satisfaction; we are coming to a place where we assemble before the One who is enthroned in the heavens. When we are here, our primary concern should be the question, “What pleases God?” That's how you think when you understand who God is. That's how you think when you realize that He is the sovereign of the universe.

From this perspective, worship becomes that which is “about God,” not that which is “about me.” Our approach to worship reveals what we think of God. Our worship should reveal One who is enthroned in the heavens, not One who sits in the pew beside us. That is not the Biblical image given of God and that is not the way the people of God approached Him. God is holy and separate and more magnificent than anything we can imagine or represent on this earth. We worship One whose glory fills creation. How do you approach a God like that when you sing and what do you include in your service of worship and what can you do to reflect His splendor?

We have to sing about Him and His marvelous works. We have to design your service so that our focus is on Him, and our hearts are made glad because of Him, and our spirits are uplifted because of what He has done for us. We worship the God who rules over all and who is served by all things. At His presence, the earth shutters and mountains quake. In His presence, there must be praise and thanksgiving and hopeful petition. This is how He must be treated. Nothing short of worship which is consumed with God's magnificence is acceptable. Again, all of this comes from the opening declaration of this Psalm-“O You who are enthroned in the heavens!”

Your worship of God begins with how you view Him and that is determined before you arrive here. That is determined during the week as you live out your days and make your choices and decide which road you will follow. All of that reveals how you view God and that is the view you bring with you to this house of God on Sunday mornings. Can you say that your view of God is worthy of Him? Can you say that your view of God is one which can only lead to heartfelt worship during this hour? Can you say with the Psalmist, “to You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens”? Is God majestic in your sight? Does the thought of His greatness fill you with reverent joy?

While you're pondering those things, think also on the fact that in spite of the vast difference between us and God, and in spite of the fact that our view of God is probably unworthy of His greatness, He still shows us His favor. God still accepts us and allows us to gather here to worship Him. We know we can assemble before God and we know that when we do, we are welcomed; He receives our worship and He encourages our hearts with His promises. The God who is beyond our thoughts in majesty extends His hand to us, as it were, and is gracious to us. That truly is an astonishing thought. The thought that God in all of His glory would meet with us and hear our songs and listen to our prayers and provide instruction for us should leave us stunned; we should be so humbled by all of this that we consider this time of weekly worship the greatest blessing of our week.

Every Sunday, as we gather here, we are participating in a remarkable event. Every week, God is meeting with His people here. Every week, we are reminded by the privilege we have of coming to church that God has come down to us, as it were, and has revealed Himself to us and has given us access to His presence even when everything about us disqualified us from such blessings. Every time we worship, we're being reminded of the fundamental truth of Psa. 123-He who is enthroned in the heavens has regard for us. He who is enthroned in the heavens receives us and loves us. He who is enthroned in the heavens knows of our misery in this life and He encourages us to persevere and He equips us to persevere.

Every gathering for worship sets forth all these truths. Every gathering for worship is a declaration of the reality of our redemption. Every gathering here affirms the core truth of our redemption-God came down to us and in coming to us, He saved us. God in Christ came down to us and lived here on this earth, and suffered in His flesh and was crucified for sins that were not His own. Jesus was God in the flesh and His appearance on this earth, among His own creatures, is one of the most overwhelming truths in the Scriptures.

We gather for worship and we lift our eyes to the One who came down to us in Christ Jesus. We meet for worship and we know that the He who now intercedes for us above once walked among us. What an amazing concept! It is a thought which leaves us pondering what manner of love God has for His people. It is a thought that Jesus sought to instill in the minds of His disciples when He instituted the Lord's Supper. Jesus took a common experience, the Passover, and He took two elements from that Passover meal, bread and wine, and He taught His disciples the essence of redemption. He took a loaf of bread and passed it around to those men and told them: “Take eat, this is my body.” He took a cup of wine and told them each to drink of it saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.”

That act solidified the truth that God in the flesh was surrendering Himself for our salvation. Think about that. From that moment, the Church had an enduring ritual which declares to us that He who is enthroned in the heavens came down to us. Every celebration of the Lord's Supper is a statement of incarnational truth-God became one of us to save us. In Christ, the majesty of God was laid aside and He was veiled in flesh for a time. And at the end of His existence on this earth, He died in that flesh so that the wrath of God against sin would find it's mark in Him and not in us. When we lift our eyes to heaven, we are lifting our eyes to the One who so loved us that He came for us. How can we not be encouraged when we worship and when we conclude our worship by eating that bread and drinking that wine? How can we not be filled with joy as we eat that bread and remember that it represents the body of our Savior-it represents the reality of His coming to this world and the reality of our dependence upon Him for life. And when we drink the wine we are reminded that the blood of God the Son was shed on our behalf. That blood paid for our sins. It was a precious blood.

Let's pray...

The sacrament is given...

Conclusion

Psalm 124, which we will consider next week, Lord willing, presents a picture of God as the Defender of His people. The writer teaches that it is only the LORD who prevents His people from being overrun by the wicked. Take time this week to read this Psalm.