Devotional 1.29 | Space for Grace | Psalm 127 | Raising a Family

[Jim]

January 29th
THE PSALMS

Psalm 122-138​

Psalm 127​

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Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.

Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.

Psalm 127:1, World English Bible​

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Theme: Raising a Family.

Background: One of only two psalms attributed to Solomon, the other is Psalm 72. This is the eighth song of ascent, likely used by pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem during the three annual national feasts (Lev 23).

127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain”​

God sovereignty is seen in three realms: (1) building a house; (2) protecting a city; and (3) earning a living. As the Hebrew word “building” is from the same root word as “sons” this could refer to perpetuating and maintaining a family line (Ruth 4:11). Raising a family, like building, is a hard, long process. It is always best to follow the architect’s blueprint.

127:2 “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest …”​

Let God be the one who builds your career and watches over your financial investments. Let Him be the one who guards your health, marriage, and children. While you are sleeping, He is working on your situation. He, who neither slumbers nor sleeps (Ps 121:3–4), works the night shift for you as you sleep!

127:4 “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.”​

To avoid our children becoming arrows piercing our heart, we need to shape these natural ‘sticks’ into smooth straight arrows and add the guiding flight feathers of God’s teachings, and then take them in hand to direct them carefully in His ways.

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The family was God’s first earthly institution.​