Todays readings.. Exodus 28, Psalm 83&84, Mark 13

Today we travel on highways, freeways and motorways.  Different countries call them different names. These allow us to travel at speed to our destinations.

Our thoughts “raced” along these lines as we read Psalm 84 and the words he addressed to God, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you and in whose heart are the highways to Zion” [v.5].  Let us all create a “highway” in our heart for godly thoughts and then the distractions of this godless world can be more easily brushed aside.  The Psalmist continues, “They go from strength to strength, each one appears before God in Zion.” [v.7].

This is an exhilarating picture of strength that grows in those who have developed the right kind of highway in their hearts!  They will reach a wonderful eternal destination, one far beyond our imagining.

Sadly we see around us, more and more examples of those who have developed the wrong kind of highways in their hearts.  Virtually as bad are those who try to maintain two kind of highways!  One makes more noise than the other – and so ends up getting more and more use!

We notice the humble ambition of the Psalmist. “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” [v.10]   Some we know, in their youth, have had great ambitions for their lives, but sadly we hear and read too many examples of those who sacrifice principles and integrity in their efforts to achieve them.  They will realize, probably too late, that their highway has really been directed toward Mammon instead of toward Zion.

But the Psalmist would rather be a doorkeeper!  And what a privilege that would be! Imagine being a doorkeeper in God’s house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11 v.17) What experiences!  What a privilege!

Finally, let us absorb the meaning of the words that are used to end this Psalm. “… the LORD is a sun and a shield;  the LORD bestows favour and honour.  No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”

Can you feel the warmth of the Sun and the protection of the Shield the Lord provides?  Let us feed constantly on his word, it will provide the motive force for our hearts are on the right “highways” as we head towards Zion – and how much more will this be needed as that destination gets closer – but the distractions grow ever greater!