When the Lord Builds the House--Blessing! (9th Song of Ascents)

Reformed Baptist Church of Kansas City

The Songs of Ascents are discipleship songs that were sung by Jewish pilgrims on the trip up to Jerusalem for one of the three annual feasts. So it makes sense that some of the Songs would relate to seeking and trusting the Lord in the daily family life. Psalms 127 and 128 are a pair of the Songs that do indeed teach concerning the family. - Psalms 127 and 128 are a pair. Ps 127 warned of that it was 'vain' (the key word!) to live a life and "build a house" outside of fearing God and walking in His ways. Ps 128 then espouses the 'blessed' (the key word!) life of the one who fears God and walks in His ways. Ps 127 uses the blessing of children as an example of the need to trust God in "building." Ps 128 uses the blessing of the the whole family as an example of the blessing of a god-fearing life. - Psalm 128 reminds us that the simple day-to-day activities and responsibilities are transformed into the greatest blessings of our earthly life, when redeemed by and lived for Christ. - And Psalm 128 gives one of the best and most beautiful picture of the biblical roles of husband and wife and the biblical family. - I. Blessing of Fearing God (v1)—this is foundation! ---A. Blessed -B. Fear the Lord II. Blessing in Work (v2) ---A. Garden -B. Head of Home III. Blessing in Marriage (v3a) ---A. Fruitful Vine -B. Heart of Home IV. Blessing in Children (v3b) ---A. Olive Plants -B. Around Table V. Blessing in Church (vv4-6) ---A. Nation? -B. Church!