To God Be the Glory
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. ~Psalm 126:1-2
Psalm 126 is a post-captivity psalm. It was written after the Jews' captivity under Babylon was over. For seventy years, the Jews that had been captured and taken to Babylon lived under the rule and tribute of the Babylonians. All of them only had memories of Jerusalem. They had resigned themselves that they would never see their beloved city again. Then, the Persians overtook the Babylonians. Under the edict of Cyrus, the Jews were encouraged to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. This psalm was written to give God the glory for the great things that He did for His people. They knew that their return could not have occurred unless the hand of God was involved. That’s why they said, “The LORD hath done great things for us.”
We see a complete release.
“The LORD turned again the captivity of Zion.” The Jews were released from their imprisonment. No longer were they under foreign rule and tribute. No longer were they required to bow the knee to a pagan ruler. Their release was sovereign; their release was supernatural; their release was sympathetic. God gave them this release. Turning again the captivity is illustrative of being released from the power of sin. When we get saved, we are saved from the penalty of sin with no condemnation. When we get saved, we are released from the power of sin: that’s sanctification. When we get saved, we will one day be released from the presence of sin: that’s glorification. Salvation is a complete release and pardon from sin. That’s something to shout about!
We see a contented reality.
What was once a dream was now a reality! They said, “We were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter.” It seemed too good to be true, but it was! They were heading back home. They would resettle and start all over. They could worship and pray to God without government intrusion. They could once again be a light in darkness to the nations of the world. Their tears were turned to joy. The patient waiting for God’s intervention is compared to a seed sower who sows his seed with tears, knowing that the wait for a harvest crop will be well-rewarded. They had a contented and happy reality. Being saved is real. Knowing Heaven is your home in eternity is a reality. Knowing that God loves you is a reality. We have a contented reality!
We see a careful response.
In the tongue of every Jew was one song: To God be the glory! They sang, “The LORD hath done great things for us.” They sang this as a praise to God. They sang this in public: "Then said they among the heathen...." They sang this in private. They sang this as a testimonial that God was the One Who gave them this wonderful release. They were careful to glorify God. Their response is illustrative of the response that we should repeatedly have towards God for His continuous goodness in our life. Indeed, the Lord hath done great things for us!
During this season of thanksgiving, take time to make a list of the great things that God has done in your life. Never take for granted what God is doing and has been doing for you. To God be the glory!
Have a thankful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Romans 1-3