Psalm 134 is the last of the Songs of Ascent. The pilgrims, having come to Jerusalem for the festival and worshipped in the temple, are now preparing to return home. But they are reluctant to leave. They linger near the temple until the night watch priests begin their duties. As they slowly depart, they call out to God's servants, "Praise the Lord!"

In this psalm, the word "bless" in verse 3 is the same as the word "praise" in verses 1 and 2 (NIV). Although short, each verse is full of blessings and God's presence. It is a psalm full of God's presence, allowing one to feel His closeness.

As the pilgrims returned to the towns and villages throughout the Promised Land, the priests blessed them (Numbers 6:24-26). God blessed them from Zion on their journey, and now they are bringing that blessing back into their daily lives. Today, God works in the same way through the church. We receive His blessings so that we may bring those blessings to others.

Those who are close to God naturally long to "dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" (Psalm 27:4). Even Jesus did not allow Peter, James, and John to remain on the Mount of Transfiguration. God delights in His people enjoying His presence, but He also sends them out to share that blessing with the world.

True spiritual life is not just staying in the temple, but bringing the presence of the temple into daily life. Worship is not the end, but the beginning of a wise and obedient life.

The second half of the year is usually the evangelistic season for our church. In October, there is the Mid-Autumn Festival Evangelistic Rally, followed by the CEC Children's Evangelistic Camp (December 2-5), the YAY Christmas Youth Camp (December 23-25), and the Christmas Combined and Celebration Services on December 21st and 25th.

But the question is:

What do these outreach events mean to you? Are they merely another round of activities to be completed? Or are they, like the pilgrims leaving the temple, an opportunity to carry God's presence and bring God's blessings to the world? May we not only enjoy God's presence in worship, but also bring His blessings to those He has placed in our lives.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank You for Your presence and blessings. Please help us not only to draw near to You in worship, but also to bring Your blessings into our daily lives. Use our outreach events to make us light and salt, bearing witness to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Christmas Services Promo Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPGfNbkaqS1Pa3Q72qsIqWXqldS2Y_zb/view?usp=sharing