Psalm 127:1a. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
And then it was a rainy Thursday morning. But oh, does it ever have the earth looking nice and clean! Our great God certainly provided everything for His universe when He created it. In this case, rain to wash it when it gets too mucky and yucky under the unfaithful, uncaring hands of its human occupants. And in like manner, He washes away our sins, though not with water but with the much more potent cleanser; the blood of the holy Lamb, His Son Jesus Christ!
And all God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of: ‘Thank You Lord! Thank You for Jesus, who sacrificed His sinless life on the cross of Calvary so that You could wash away our sins with His cleansing blood, forgive us and bring us back into right standing with You!’
What an awesome truth that is my brethren! Our souls are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb! Just imagine the magnitude of such an amazing plan nuh…and one that worked…and still works! Only Almighty God could have devised such an out of sight plan, and make it work too. That’s why we praise, worship and LOVE Him with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds! He is indeed worthy of such honour and glory! And it’s also why those words combine to produce the first and greatest commandment of our faith!
No wonder Cousin Sol could write such splendid words and accolades in Psalm 72: ‘Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever and ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.’ (Ps. 72:18-19) What marvellous and true sentiments in honour of our great God! Only Cousin Sol could pen such glowing statements to the God of his forefathers, especially considering how much He had blessed him.
And just for interest’s sake, the scholars tell us that Cousin Sol only wrote two psalms, 72 and 127. So let’s turn to the latter nuh, which is superscripted ‘The need of relying on God.’ And it sounds just like the other writings of Cousin Sol; very deliberate and to the point. He opens it thus: ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (stays awake in vain). It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.’ (Ps. 127:1-2)
You could easily think you are reading Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. (smile) But as always, his words contain much truth. And then Cousin Sol turns to the matter of children: ‘Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man (a warrior); so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.’ (Ps. 127:3-5)
Mama Mia! No wonder Cousin Sol was considered the wisest man in the world! He had a wealth of wisdom and knowledge because that’s what he asked the Lord for when he ascended to the throne of his father Bruh David. The Good Book tells us ‘In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God… Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?’ (2 Chr.1:7,9)
And it pleased the Lord so much that he hadn’t asked for wealth, long life and victory over his enemies, but wisdom and understanding, that He gave him all of it: wisdom, understanding, wealth, long life and victory over his enemies! Wow! That’s how magnanimous our God can be when our words and actions please Him! But getting back to Psalm 127. It is a serious and wise psalm because it highlights the necessity for relying on God for all of our needs.
The scholars explain it thus: ‘Psalm 127: The principle of this psalm is that all human efforts are in vain unless they have God’s blessing. This principle is applied to four areas: building a house (vs. 1a), guarding a city (vs. 1b), working long hours (vs. 2), and having children (vs. 3-5). It is possible to accomplish all of these things without God’s blessing, but it is not possible to accomplish them purposefully and with eternal value without God’s blessing. The psalm includes, incidentally, two practical reasons for having children: they bring you joy and they protect you (vs. 5).’
Now you can’t argue with any of that, although in this evil and godless era there are many children who don’t bring joy to their parents or protect them. But hopefully those are the exception rather than the rule. Ah friends, we are living in very difficult and troubled times, and I feel sorry for those who don’t count Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour because too many are missing out on so much. No peace and joy in their hearts, no hope and promise of salvation and eternal life.
But all we can do is talk to them about Him, if they allow us, and even more importantly live a life that’s true to His name and ideals. That means we have a lot of important work to do, in probably a very short time. So let’s get right to it nuh. Let’s stop making all kinds of excuses for our laziness and lethargy and pick up the baton of Jesus and run energetically and wisely with it. And to help us do that, He’s granted us so many tools, that we want for nothing to do His earthly work.
That means it’s time for us to declare our Thursday Blessings. As one strong and sincere voice now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
It now becomes our bounden duty to go out and share those awesome blessings, just as generously with others, as the Lord shared them with us. Much LOVE!
…you can accomplish plenty without God’s blessings…but it won’t last…
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