My beloved, it is fitting that we pay heed to our Brother, a colleague among us. He has not only welcomed us but has encouraged us to engage in dialogue, stipulating that while he listened to me, I should also hear him in return. We acknowledge the mercy of our Lord, who is our sole Master in the heavens. Looking at the psalm titled "Song of Degrees," which is notably more extensive than others with the same designation, let us not tarry unnecessarily unless compelled by necessity, so that, with the Lord's grace, we may express its entirety. You should not approach this topic as novices; some of you have previously heard these teachings, which will support our understanding, thus preventing us from recounting everything as if it were novel.
"Lord, remember David and all his humility" (Psalm 131:1). David, the son of Jesse, reigned as king over Israel. His meekness is duly noted and instructed within Holy Scripture; he was so humble that he did not repay evil for evil to Saul, his persecutor. He displayed such significant humility, recognizing Saul as king while considering himself insignificant, responding to the king neither with arrogance nor rudeness, despite possessing greater strength. David sought to appease Saul through his humility rather than irritate him with pride. Even when Saul was delivered into David's hands by the Lord, David chose the path of grace rather than vengeance. Hence, David’s humility is celebrated; God is asked to remember David and all his meekness for a reason. He swore an oath to God and made a vow to the Almighty of Jacob (Psalm 130:2); thus, we recall this to ensure he fulfills his promise. David made a vow, self-aware of its significance, and he prayed that the Lord help him fulfill it; within this vow lies faithfulness, and within his plea, humility. Let no one believe they can fulfill their vows by their own strength. He who summons you to make a vow also assists you in its fulfillment.
So let us reflect on the vow David made, for it will help us comprehend his example. David, known as "Strong-handed," was indeed a valiant warrior. Trusting in the Lord, he concluded wars and subdued his foes, with God’s assistance in this reign; he stands as a type of the one who mightily vanquishes His enemies—namely, the devil and his angels—with whom the Church strives and prevails. What vow did he make? To swear means to make a firm promise. Observe the fervency with which he swore, the love and eagerness behind it; nonetheless, he prayed for God’s assistance to fulfill this vow: "Lord, remember David and all his meekness." In this spirit, he vowed, "I will not enter my house, nor go to my bed" (Psalm 130:3). "I will not let my eyes sleep or my eyelids slumber" (Psalm 130:4). Yet this seemed insufficient, prompting him to add, "Neither shall I allow my head to rest until I find a dwelling for the Lord, a resting place for the God of Jacob" (Psalm 131:5).
Where did he seek a place for the Lord? If he was humble, he looked within himself. How can we find a dwelling for the Lord? The prophet speaks, "On whom shall My Spirit rest? Upon him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2). If you wish to be a place for the Lord, be humble in spirit, contrite, and reverential toward the Word of God, and you will be what you seek: for without finding this within yourself, what value is it to seek it elsewhere?
Consider how many thousands believed, my brothers, when they offered their possessions to the apostles. Yet, what does Scripture say about them? They became the temple of God; not just individual temples but collectively the temple of God. As is stated, "They were of one heart and one soul before God." Too many, however, neglect making room for the Lord by clinging to their own interests, ardently pursuing personal gain. Yet, one who wishes to create space for the Lord must find joy not in personal possessions but in the well-being of all.
Thus, let us refrain from the grasping of private property. If we must possess it, let it be only out of necessity, that we may make room for the Lord. Some might object, "It is too much for me." But consider the significance of creating a place for the Lord. If a senator, or the representative of a great man, were to request entry into your home, and if he found something amiss, you would quickly amend it to avoid displeasing the one whose favor you seek. What then is the worth of human friendship? Seek the friendship of Christ without trepidation, as He desires to be welcomed into your home; create space for Him.
What does it mean to make room for Him? Do not prioritize yourself; love Him instead. If you cherish yourself, you will deny Him; but if you love Him, you will open your heart to Him. In doing so, you will not lose yourself in self-love, but rather find yourself alongside Him who loves you.
We also find this message reflected in Psalm 131:6. The psalm speaks of a dwelling for the Lord. Did he hear of this dwelling in one location and find it in another? Ephrath, a Hebrew term, translates to “mirror” in Latin; thus hinting that the house discovered in the wooded plain was envisioned as a reflection. A mirror holds an image; prophecy serves as an image of that which is to come. Therefore, the prophetic image of God's future house becomes apparent.
The "plains of forests" refer not to rich, cultivated lands but to receiving places still in cultivation and forested. This suggests that amidst the thorns of idolatry, we can discover the Lord's dwelling, the tabernacle of the God of Jacob. The revelation foretold to the Jews is experienced through the faith of the Gentiles.
"We will enter into His tabernacles" (Psalm 130:7). Whose tabernacles? Those belonging to the Lord God of Jacob. To inhabit these spaces, we must first dwell in them. When the Lord dwells within you, your soul is filled with joy. Conversely, if He does not dwell within you, your spirit remains in despair.
That son who demanded his portion of the inheritance (Luke 15:12-20) aspired to be his own master. His father wisely withheld it until he was prepared to manage it. Ultimately, he squandered it in reckless living until he faced famine and sought refuge with his father. Thus, let us go in and abide; it may appear not ours to claim, yet we dwell within His presence. Let us worship where His feet have tread.
"Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place" (Psalm 130:8). The psalmist calls out to the Lord, asking Him to rise, indicating the significance of both the Lord and the ark of His sanctification, which signifies His Church, to awaken. Christ, our Head, is the first to rise, and in Him, we too shall share in resurrection; for the body cannot hope for resurrection unless the Head rises first.
"Your priests shall be clothed in righteousness, and let Your saints sing for joy" (Psalm 130:9). This verse addresses God the Father. For David's sake, the prayer goes forth—may He not turn away from His anointed. When the Lord rose from the dead and came unto the Father, He equipped the royal Priesthood with faith, proclaiming, "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17), ensuring the members rejoice in the hope of resurrection, rooted first in Christ.
"For the sake of David, Your servant, do not turn away from the face of Your Anointed" (Psalm 130:10). Here we see the Lord was subjected to persecution by the Jews in Judea, crucified, and laid to rest. He then rose to pass judgment upon those who had rejected Him, and it is noted how the Jews faced catastrophe after the Lord's death. Despite being dispersed from the city where He was killed, it did not mean all of David's lineage was lost. Many from Judah believed after the resurrection as they witnessed miracles done in the name of Him they had crucified, and recognizing His power, they trembled, eventually seeking counsel from the apostles.
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38). As Christ arose in judgment against those who put Him to death, He turned His face toward the Gentiles. This prayer to God for the remnant of Israel highlights the request: "For the sake of Your servant David, do not turn away the presence of Your anointed." If the tares are condemned, let the wheat be gathered. Let the remnant, just as Isaiah declares, be saved for "the remnant will return" (Isaiah 10:21-22)—the apostles themselves, over five hundred brethren to whom He revealed Himself post-resurrection, and many thousands who were baptized and shared in the community of believers.
"The Lord gave David a faithful oath, and He will not repent" (Psalm 131:11). To make an oath establishes a promise that is unchanging. God does not experience regret in the same manner as mankind; when He describes repentance, it indicates a change of action rather than a shifting of divine counsel. He once changed the kingdom due to the unfaithfulness of Saul, yet this was not a revision of His plan. The promise remains valid: "The fruit of your body will be set upon the throne."
"Your children will dwell on your throne forever" (Psalm 130:12). His descendants must keep His covenant and commandments. If they embrace the commitment, then they shall dwell eternally as promised. Parents establish a path for their children by upholding the covenant; but what if their children fail? The happiness promised is reliant upon the fidelity of the children to the covenant. The conditions set forth assert: "If your children keep My covenant," providing a foundation upon which future generations will dwell.
In this life, we labor in Christ, striving to do His will, looking forward to the promise of bliss still to come. We cannot yet claim that we are seated in those promised places, but in our diligent obedience, our hope is vested for what is yet to be. This hope is depicted as a legacy of children—the expectation of what is to come.
Alternatively, should we consider "children" to refer to true men, then the decree of the covenant carries forward: "If your children keep My covenant." All individuals, if they maintain the covenant, shall inherit the promise. What if they falter? This does not nullify God's promise, for He foresees that they shall believe. His word reassures that He has sworn an oath, underscoring that it will surely come to pass. He urges everyone to avoid arrogance in the promises of God; we must strive to uphold His covenant to be known as His children.
Thus, we must reflect on this: if our hope does not derive from lineage, we cannot expect fulfillment in our works. Only by imitating David’s faith can we be deemed his children. It follows, if we do not uphold his legacy, we are not his descendants. How can we consider ourselves his heirs if we do not embody his faith or worship?
"The Lord chose Zion to be His dwelling place" (Psalm 130:13). Zion symbolizes the Church herself, to whose peace we turn and which resides in us, patiently awaiting the return. Thus, it is the very Zion chosen by the Lord for His rest.
"This shall be My rest forever" (Psalm 131:14). These words from God emphasize His closeness with us; He rests with us. God assures us, not because He finds it necessary to pause as we do, but because His rest denotes our ultimate fulfillment in Him.
"I will bless her widow and feed her poor with bread" (Psalm 130:15). Each soul feeling destitute, reliant solely on God, embodies a widow. The apostle describes such widows—those truly authentic possess a heart inclined towards God, persevering in prayer and supplication day and night. The genuine widow relies entirely on God's help. While some may pride themselves in earthly support, the true widow finds strength from God. The Church, whether male, female, young, or old, is akin to one widow, recognizing her need for divine sustenance.
THEOSIS