ニューイングランドの母校からアドヴェントメッセージの便り　その22

salm 84
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!” begins the Psalmist–words that provide a glimpse into the writer’s heart. From there the Psalmist goes further and reveals his “yearning”–a strong word akin to a physical ache–to be in the temple for worship. He goes so far as to express his envy of birds that have made their nest in the temple, and so are close to the altar regularly, implying his longing for similar freedom to be present in the temple.

This longing goes so deep in the Psalmist’s heart that he even exclaims that he would “rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (v. 10). Some translations say “threshold” rather than “doorkeeper,” revealing almost desperation for being in the presence of God in worship.

Note, however, that the emphasis is not on the writer himself, but on God–the focus of worship. Nor does it point to an individualistic or isolated personal experience, but rather expresses the Psalmist’s longing to be with God’s people in worship. Advent looks forward to the second coming of Christ.

Let us “ache” for this coming as much as the Psalmist did to be in the presence of God with His people while we wait for the Second Advent.

Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Dr. Kenneth Swetland
Senior Professor of Ministry