This Psalm, part of the Songs of Ascents, instructs us that when we uplift our thoughts towards the Lord our God in love and reverence, we should not be swayed by the fleeting joy of those who thrive in this world, possessing nothing but arrogance, their hearts hardened against God and resistant to His grace, resulting in a lack of spiritual fruit. Those who place their trust in the Lord are as steadfast as Mount Zion; they shall remain unmoved forever (Psalm 124:1). Who are these individuals, standing firm in Jerusalem? (Psalm 123:2). If we refer to the earthly Jerusalem, we see that its inhabitants have been exiled due to conflicts and destruction; finding a Jewish person in Jerusalem today may prove elusive. Why is it that those who dwell in this Jerusalem are unshaken eternally? It is because there exists another Jerusalem, frequently discussed. This is our mother whom we yearn for as we make our pilgrimage, wishing to return to her. In that place, those who reside there will never be disturbed. However, the inhabitants of the earthly Jerusalem were shaken; first spiritually, then through exile. Their hearts were moved to betrayal, leading them to crucify the very King of the heavenly Jerusalem; they were already spiritually estranged, having locked their King outside their walls. For they cast Him out and executed Him away from the city (John 19:17-18). He expelled them from His own eternal city, the Heavenly Jerusalem, which bears us all as children.
What is this Jerusalem? The Psalmist succinctly describes it, as mountains surround it (Psalm 123:2). Is it remarkable that we inhabit a city encircled by mountains? Do we not understand what mountains signify? They are merely landforms. Distinct from these are the mountains we cherish; the lofty mountains embodying spiritual truth, whether through angels, apostles, or prophets. These figures encircle Jerusalem, forming a protective wall around it. The Scriptures frequently reference these majestic and admirable mountains. These are the heights of which we sing, “I lift my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?” For in this life, our aid comes from the Scriptures. And through these mountains, peace is bestowed; the hills receive righteousness. What do we learn about the mountains? They do not produce peace nor generate it; rather, they receive peace. The Lord is the Source who grants them peace. Thus, lift your eyes to the mountains for peace, that your help may come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth. The Holy Spirit also refers to these mountains, saying: “Thou lightest them marvelously from Thy everlasting mountains.” It is not the mountains that enlighten, but God, who shines forth through His eternal mountains, proclaiming the Gospel.
To further comprehend the nature of the mountains that encompass Jerusalem, one notes that whenever Scripture mentions benevolent mountains, it almost always simultaneously acknowledges the Lord, so that we do not misplace our hope in the mountains themselves. Thus, the Lord surrounds His people, ensuring that our trust rests upon Him, the true illuminator of the mountains. When He resides among the saints, He encompasses His people, safeguarding them with a spiritual fortress so they may remain unshaken forever. In contrast, when Scripture addresses malevolent mountains, it omits reference to the Lord. Such mountains personify potent yet malevolent beings. Let us not be misled, brethren, into thinking heresies arise from minor figures. Only prominent individuals have birthed heresies; and in proportion to their might, so too are they corrupt. These mountains cannot receive peace; rather, they bring strife from their father, the devil. Thus, beware and do not seek refuge in such mountains. For people will proclaim, "There is a mighty hero! Look at Donatus! How grand was Maximian! And what a notable figure Photinus was!" All these names are mountains, but treacherous mountains that lead to ruin.
Instead, cherish the mountains where the Lord abides. The very mountains will love you if your hope is not anchored in them alone. Look, brethren, at what constitutes the mountains of God. For in another context it is stated, “Your righteousness is like the mountains of God.” Not their righteousness, but yours. Hear this great mountain, Apostle: "That I may be found in him, not having my own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ" (Philippians 3:9). Yet some who deem themselves mountains due to their righteousness, such as certain Jews or Pharisees, receive rebuke. They failed to grasp God’s righteousness, striving to establish their own and consequently did not submit to divine righteousness (Romans 10:3). Those who do submit are exalted; though they may be great, they become humble before God. They embody mountains in stature while being valleys in spirit, capable of godliness, receiving abundant peace and nourishing the hills. Be cautious of those mountains you admire. If you desire the affection of noble mountains, do not place even your faith in good mountains. Consider the greatness of Paul — who among us measures up to him? Reflect on personal greatness. Is it easy to find someone of such substantial grace? Yet he hesitated to have others place their faith in him, saying, “Was Paul crucified for you?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). Rather, direct your gaze to the mountains, from where your help is derived, for "I planted, Apollos watered, but your help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth; for God gives the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6). Thus, as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so does the Lord encompass His people now and forevermore. Just as the mountains provide protection for Jerusalem, the Lord envelops His people in a bond of love and peace, ensuring that those who hope in Him, like Mount Zion, shall remain unshaken forever.
For the Lord will not permit the wicked to dominate the lot of the righteous, so their hands may not turn against evil (Psalm 123:3). Indeed, presently the righteous may experience suffering, as well as endure the tyranny of the unrighteous at times. At what point? Sometimes the unrighteous attain earthly accolades, becoming judges or rulers; for God does this to discipline His people. Such arrangements are designed for them to receive honor in accordance with their power. God has orchestrated His Church such that every worldly authority receives respect, often from those who surpass them in righteousness. Let me provide an example: consider the fundamental relationships of authority within human society, such as that of master and servant, commonplace in most households. Within these dynamics, there are masters and servants; different titles but ultimately human beings standing on equal footing. What does the Apostle instruct regarding obedience? “Servants, be obedient to your masters according to the flesh, for there is a Master according to the Spirit.” He is the true and everlasting Master, while earthly rulers are temporal. As you navigate life, remember, Christ does not intend for you to harbor pride. You did not become a Christian to disdain servitude. When you serve others out of Christ’s mandate, you serve not merely them but Him who commanded it. He reiterates, "Slaves, be obedient to your earthly masters" (Ephesians 6:5). Here, He does not liberate men from servitude but calls the faithful to serve even unrighteous masters. Reflect upon how much the wealthy owe to Christ who provided for them.
Therefore, if you have an unfaithful servant and Christ transforms their heart, do not instruct them to abandon their master, for now they know their true Master. Though their earthly master may be unscrupulous, they are now faithful and righteous; it is unbecoming for a faithful servant to disavow their responsibilities. Christ does not command so, but rather encourages them to serve, affirming, “Serve as I have served.” I served those who were unjust before you. If the Lord of heaven and earth, by whom all was created, chose to serve the unworthy and prayed for His harsh persecutors, how much more so should a faithful servant willingly serve even an unworthy master with all diligence and love? Behold, even the greatest served the least, albeit for a season. Understand this analogy concerning masters and servants, as well as regard authorities and rulers and all positions of importance in this world. Sometimes such authorities are righteous and God-fearing; at other times, they are not. Consider Julian, the pagan emperor, who was ungodly and an idolater; yet the Christian soldiers obeyed him. When called upon by Christ, they recognized Him as their true sovereign. If he summoned them to idol worship or incense burning, they would resist for God’s sake; yet when commanded to march against nations, they willingly complied. They discerned their eternal Master from their temporal rulers, remaining obedient to the latter out of respect for their everlasting Master.
Will the unrighteous hold dominion over the righteous indefinitely? Certainly not. The rod of the wicked may be felt momentarily by the righteous, but it is not permanent. The time will come when Christ returns in glory, gathering all nations to Himself (Matthew 25:32-33). You will witness many servants among the righteous and many masters among the unrighteous. Not all servants are virtuous—do not deduce this from the comfort extended to servants—and not all masters are wicked; there are both good believers among masters and evil ones among servants. While faithful servants endure the rule of unrighteous masters, they must be patient for a season. God will not allow the rod of the wicked to rest on the lot of the righteous. Why? So that the righteous do not retaliate against the wicked, but rather learn endurance through this temporary reign and prepare to receive their eternal inheritance.
And thus, the Psalmist adds: “Do good, O Lord, with a good and faithful heart” (Psalm 124:4). This reflects the disposition of those whose hearts are aligned with God, as I noted earlier—those who seek to follow God’s will over their own. Those who desire to walk in God’s ways must let Him lead and follow in His footsteps; they should not forge ahead of Him but be attentive to His guidance and perceive His goodness in all circumstances—whether through discipline or comfort—as the Apostle reminds us: “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28).
Therefore, the psalmist quickly follows, “As for those who have turned away, the Lord will lead them to be joined with the unrighteous” (Psalm 124:5). This refers to those who have mimicked the behaviors of the wicked, indulging in temporary pleasures without regard for the coming judgment. As for the righteous in heart who remain steadfast, let us focus on their inheritance, for we are children of God. What shall we inherit? What is our homeland, and what shall we call it? Peace. This is how we greet you, how we proclaim to you, as we receive righteousness from both mountains and little hills. Peace is embodied in Christ, for He is our peace, having united us and removed the barrier that separated us (Ephesians 2:14). As children of God, we shall embrace this inheritance, which is none other than peace. Notably, those who harbor discord do not belong among the heirs. Peace is the domain of the righteous, the promise granted to the heirs. And who are these heirs? The Children... Since Christ, the Son of God, epitomizes peace, He came to gather His own, separating them from the wicked. From whom does He separate us? From those who detest Jerusalem, who disdain peace, who seek to disrupt unity, who disbelieve in true peace, offering counterfeit peace to others while possessing none themselves.
THEOSIS