The 118th Psalm speaks to every believer in every age. The background is said to be the dedication of the restored walls and gates of "Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles in 444B.C. in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah." The Jews in the city were surrounded by enemies who ridiculed and threatened to attack them and stop the work that the Lord had given to them. The rebuilding project took fifty two days and the report of this remarkable and phenomenal accomplishment astounded the nations." The Psalm writer expresses the joy the people experienced as they marveled over what the Lord had done on their behalf." (ref...Be Exultant)
As people of God we must see the Lord in every situation and glorify Him for every victory in the time of trouble. In reading this Psalm it reminded me of a very current moment in my walk with Christ. For 52 days we have been in the season of honoring and celebrating Passover and Pentecost. In those 52 days I believe that it was a rebuilding project in the lives of God's people. Rebuilding our prayer life, rebuilding our faith and trust in God, rebuilding our dedication, devotion and passion for the Lord and the things of His Kingdom. In the book of Acts on the day of Pentecost while the disciples were in the upper room the Holy Spirit came and empowered them with power to build His church by being a witness unto the utter parts of the earth. The scripture describes the amazement of others as they watched the overwhelming supernatural power consuming the apostles. Many declared what a phenomenon and others mocked and took them for a joke as if they were drunk. But in this moment there would soon be miracles, signs and wonders of the Glory of being in the light of our Lord God.
Today I encourage you just as the Psalm writer in this 118th Psalm, to put emphasis on all that the Lord has done for you. In celebration the children of Israel brought a sacrifice and tied it to the altar. God is getting ready to do some phenomenal things in your life, rebuilding and restoring. What will you tie to the altar? Romans 12:1 is something to consider, this declaration made by the Apostle Paul; "I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, (tied to the altar) an offering that brings Him pleasure, (your ears, eyes, mouths, hands, feet) this is reasonable and the essential worship." The psalm writer expresses that he is offering his life in joy becoming a sacrifice that is tied tight to God's altar, and because of who God is he brings Him nothing but praise, for He realized that God is the source of His life and for this we shout Hallelujah and we give God the highest praise. I challenge you to live your life "Tied To The Altar!"
Amen Glory to God
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