PSALMS OF ASCENT!

PSALM 122:5

Judgment
THERE THE THRONES FOR JUDGMENT STAND, THE THRONES OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID. (PSALMS 122:5 NIV)
THRONES
Thrones for judgment belonged to the king. As the highest judicial authority in the land, from time to time the king held audience to hear cases that were being appealed. A throne was set up on such occasions either in an audience hall in the palace grounds or at the main gate of the city. Excavations at the ancient site of Dan have revealed an example of this practice. The king sat on a canopied throne in order to pass judgment. We need at least a little time and space to set our mind and hearts on the right things and on the right one, Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:14 NIV) If we do not do this it is no wonder that church can be, at times, a frightening place. We are about to encounter the God of judgment - but we are not ready. God gets no pleasure from our discomfort, therefore the wise worshipper prepares him or herself in advance by recognising Gods right to exercise justice. serve a capricious or complacent God? We live with reverence before God, - Since you call on a Father who judges each mans work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. (1 Peter 1:17 NIV). We know that Jesus will bring justice, For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:31). But we do not live with fear of judgment in the way the hard-hearted Felix did, As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, Thats enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you. (Acts 24:25 NIV). Gods judgement sets right things in motion. As we worship through corporate prayer, songs and scripture we hear Gods Word putting things right, setting us back on the right path, propelling us towards love and good deeds.

WORSHIP
It is interesting that it is in the place of worship that we also nd the thrones of judgment. The two go together. They are here twinned in this Psalm to remind the singers (and us) that it is God who straightens things out and puts things right. Recalling this fact helps us to approach worship in the right frame of mind. Thus the signicance of having a good quiet time on a Sunday morning before going to church.

SECURITY
The truth is that a God who exercises judgment is actually the one we want to know. Who would want to

Malcolm Cox, email: malcolm.cox@iccmissions.org | ICC Missions on facebook | www.nwlcc.org