Come, Bless the Lord
A Song of Ascents.
134:1 Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the Lord!
3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!
As I read this gorgeous hymn I am struck by the language of the first verse which describes those who are called to bless the Lord, (v.2) and who will be blessed by the Lord(v. 3). There are two things in particular which call out.
First, those who are described are called servants (in the Hebrew literally slaves). This language indicates one who has lost his will to another. In the Hebrew mind, the greatest slaves were those who stayed with their masters voluntarily during the year of jubilee, when they could have been freed. We are to lose our will to God, not begrudgingly, but with joy and thanksgiving knowing that God will provide.
Second, it say they are slaves “who stand by night.” The dualistic language of day and night often portray opposing positions of good and bad, easy and harsh, blessings and hardship. This is incredible, for it brings to mind those who willingly remain in the house of the Lord, to serve Him, when things are tough. When it is easier to forsake the Lord and follow the world, these servants stand in the house of the Lord.
Darkness is coming for the church. Ahead lies an era of persecution and hardship, that the servants of Christ have never seen in our country. Are you prepared to stand? Will you rest joyfully in the service of the Lord, not forsaking Him for the easy way? Will you lift up your hands to the Holy place and bless him? Will you present yourself to be blessed by Him?
