February 12, 2007

Text: Psalm 126
Song of Ascents

THE CAPTIVITY OF ZION
"When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream"    Psalm 126:1

1. Pronouncement of Captivity of 70 years    Jeremiah 29:10a

2. Promise of Return from Captivity    Jeremiah 29:10b; 30:3

3. Problems that led to the Destruction of Israel    2 Kings 17
a) Walked in the statutes of the nations    2 Kings 17:8

b) Idolatry    2 Kings 17:9-12

c) Rejection of God's call to repentance    2 Kings 17:13-15

d) Sold themselves to do evil    2 Kings 17:17

4. Problems that led to the Captivity of Judah    2 Chronicles 36
a) Transgressions "more and more"    2 Chronicles 36:14

b) Defiling of the House of God    2 Chronicles 36:14

c) Messengers of God mocked     2 Chronicles 36:16

d) King, Priests and people- all guilty    2 Chronicles 36:13,14

END OF CAPTIVITY
"We were like those who dream...
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing..."    Psalm 126:1-2

1. Like a dream come true
a) Many had lost hope

b) To be able to return home to Jerusalem was like an incredible dream come true

2. Laughter and singing
a) Natural response

b) Spontaneous response

APPRECIATING GOD'S HAND IN LIFE
"Then they said among the nations,
'The LORD has done great things for them.'

The LORD has done great things for us,
And we are glad."    Psalm 126:2-3

1. Content of the songs of joy
"The LORD has done great things"

2. Contexts
a) Observation of "the nations"
Gentile acknowledgement of God's hand of blessing on Israel (Cf. Ezra and Nehemiah)

b) Observation of Israel
Israel's personal acknowledgement of God's hand of blessing

A HEARTFELT CRY
"Bring back the captivity, O LORD,
As the streams in the South.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.

He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing
Bringing his sheaves with him."    Psalm 126:4-6

1. Returning to Israel
That is only the beginning... the first step

2. Rebuilding Israel
That is something that must be carefully prayed for

a) There will be tears

b) There will be hardship

c) There will be challenging hard work

3. Rejoicing through faith and hope

There will be a future worth working hard for