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--- Beloved, it is fitting that we heed our Brother, my associate, while he is among us. He has not declined to engage but rather sent us away; he insisted that I listen to him, and in turn, I should also be heard. In His great mercy, we all listen to Him, our sole Lord in heaven. Now, observe the psalm named ‘Song of Degrees,’ which is notably longer than the others under the same designation. We should not delay, except when obligation necessitates; if the Lord wills, we shall seek to elucidate its entirety. You ought not to approach this teaching as strangers; your previous understandings can aid us, preventing the need to present everything as if it were entirely new.
“Lord, remember David and all his humility” (Psalm 131:1). From sacred history, we know that David was the singular king of Israel, the son of Jesse. He is indeed described as humble in Scripture, exhibiting such meekness that he did not retaliate against his adversary Saul. He showed remarkable deference, acknowledging Saul’s kingship while regarding himself humbly, responding to the king neither boastfully nor rudely, despite his greater strength. He opted for humility to win Saul's favor rather than pride to provoke him. Given into his hands by the Lord, David chose to act with kindness. Thus, we extol David’s humility and meekness, invoking God’s remembrance of these virtues, for he vowed to the Lord and pledged to the Almighty of Jacob (Psalm 130:2). We recall this so that he may fulfill his vow. David made a vow within the bounds of his own ability, praying for divine assistance to see it through: faithfulness resides in the vow, while humility resides in the prayer. No one should presume they uphold a vow by their own strength; the One who calls you to vow also assists you in fulfilling it.
Let us investigate the vow he made to gain insight into David's image. David’s name signifies ‘Strong handed’ due to his prowess in battle. Relying on the Lord, he halted all conflicts, subdued his foes, empowered by God through his divine kingship. He is a foreshadowing of the One strong enough to vanquish His adversaries, the devil, and his minions. The Church battles and triumphs against such foes. But what does it signify when David speaks of his vow? A vow represents a solemn promise. Notice the fervor with which he swore, the love and eagerness therein; nevertheless, he entreats God to realize it: “Lord, remember David and all his humility.”
In this spirit, he declared regarding the house of God: “I will not enter my home nor rest upon my bed” (Psalm 130:3). “I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber” (Psalm 130:4). As if that were insufficient, he adds, “Neither shall the temples of my head rest until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the God of Jacob” (Psalm 131:5). Where did he search for such a place? If he was humble, he sought it within himself. How can one find a dwelling for the Lord? Consider the prophet’s words: “On whom shall My Spirit rest? On the one who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). If you aspire to be a dwelling for the Lord, embody humility, and exhibit reverence towards His Word, then you will become that which you seek.
How many thousands embraced faith, my brethren, when they laid their possessions at the apostles' feet! What does Scripture declare about them? They became the temple of God; not merely as individuals but collectively as His dwelling place. And to show that the Lord resides among all of them, the Scripture states that they were of one heart and one soul before God. However, many, unwilling to make space for God, chase their own interests, displaying greed for personal gain. To make room for the Lord, one must abandon self-interest and embrace the common good.
Thus, let us refrain, dear ones, from the hold of personal property. If we cannot part from it, let us at least abstain from allowing it to retain us. “But that is too difficult,” one might say. Reflect upon the significance of creating space for the Lord. If a senator or a representative of a high-ranking individual were to visit, even if you esteemed him, you would remove potential offense to him. What value is earthly friendship compared to the friendship of Christ? He desires to be welcomed into your heart; thus, make room for Him. What does it mean to create space for Him? Love Him above all else. Should you prioritize self-love, you will effectively bar the door; but if you cherish Him, you will find yourself opening your heart, and upon His entrance, you will discover that you lose nothing of yourself but gain companionship with Him who loves you.
Consider how we read in Psalm Ephrata (131:6) about finding a space for the Lord. It mentions hearing of such a place in Ephrata and finding it within the forest plain. Did he hear it in one place and find it in another? Let us investigate; Ephrata, a Hebrew term, translates to ‘Mirror’ in Latin, as the translators of Holy Scripture have conveyed to us. The sacred text has moved through translations, but if Ephrata signifies a mirror, then the house located in the wooded glade was perceived in reflection. A mirror possesses an image: all prophecy reflects future truths. Thus, the anticipated dwelling of God was prophesied in the form of an image. The ‘forest plains’ symbolize untamed peoples, previously covered in the brambles of idolatry. In this context, while thorns of idolatry were present, the Lord’s dwelling was nonetheless discovered—therein, the tabernacle of the God of Jacob. What was prophesied to the Jews became manifest in the faith of the Gentiles.
We shall enter into His tabernacles (Psalm 130:7), those belonging to the Lord God of Jacob. The individuals who dwell there do so to participate fully; to enter your home is to live within its walls, and the same applies to the house of God. For the Lord is good, and when He lives in you, He brings joy. Conversely, if He does not dwell within you, you are left in sorrow. Recall the son who requested his inheritance (Luke 15:12-20); he sought independence, only to squander his bounty away from his father's oversight, ultimately returning out of hunger. Enter into His dwelling; it may not seem yours in the conventional sense, but let us inhabit the spaces of His design, worshipping in the places where His feet rest. Whose feet? The Lord's. It is in the Lord's house that worship occurs, and outside of it, one cannot find eternal life; only those who dwell in the house of God, lovingly crafted from living stones, will understand.
But if you perceive this from the household where the feet of the Lord rest, let your feet stand in Christ. They will be secure if you persevere in Him, as the devil stands opposed to the truth. “He was a murderer from the beginning and did not abide in truth” (John 8:44). The devil’s feet do not endure. Regarding the proud, it is said, “Oh, let not the foot of pride tread upon me; nor let the hand of the wicked drive me away.” Behold, all who practice evil have fallen and cannot stand. This is the house of God, where the feet stand firm. Hence John exclaims, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom, and the friend of the bridegroom who stands and listens to him” (John 3:29). If he does not stand, he cannot hear. He stands steadfastly, rejoicing in the bridegroom’s voice, and thus those who seek their own acclaim have fallen.
“Arise, O Lord, to your resting place” (Psalm 130:8). Here, the call compels the Lord, awakening Him who has already overcome slumber. He, along with the ark of His sanctification, is invited to rise. The body of Christ—born of Mary—serves as the sanctified ark; the plea indicates: ‘Arise with His body’ so that the faith may be empowered.
“Thy priests shall be clothed in righteousness, and Thy saints will rejoice” (Psalm 130:9). Upon the Lord's resurrection, they come before the Father; let this royal priesthood be adorned in faith, for “the righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17), and empowered and filled with the Holy Spirit, the congregation rejoices in the hope of resurrection initially exemplified in Christ. The Apostle admonishes, “Rejoice in hope” (Romans 12:12).
“For the sake of David, Thy servant, do not turn away from the face of Thy anointed” (Psalm 130:10). This appeal is made to God the Father. For the sake of David, His anointed, the Lord was crucified in Judea by the Jews and, suffering at their hands, fell asleep. He rose to judge those who once condemned Him, declaring, “Raise Me up, and I will repay them.” The Jews understand well the depth of their suffering following Christ's death; they were driven from the very city where their King was slain. Yet, did they all perish from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah? No, some from his lineage believed, and many thousands more did so post-resurrection. They, consumed by anger, crucified Him but later witnessed the miracles performed in His name. Overcome with fear at His power, they acknowledged a hidden divinity in Him and sought counsel from the apostles, receiving the charge to repent and be baptized in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).
As Christ arose to judge those who condemned Him, His focus shifted from the Jews to the Gentiles. Thus, we petition for the remnant of Israel: “For the sake of Thy servant David, do not turn away Your anointed.” Even as the tares are cast away, may the wheat be gathered; let the remnant be saved, as promised in Isaiah (Isaiah 10:21-22). Among them, the twelve apostles arose, and over five hundred brethren whom the Lord revealed Himself to after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6). From them, countless thousands were baptized (Acts 2:41), proving the fulfillment of this prayer to God: “For the sake of Thy servant David, do not turn away the presence of Thy anointed.”
“The Lord swore to David a faithful oath; He will not change His mind” (Psalm 131:11). What does it signify to make an oath? It illustrates a promise established by God Himself. When it is said that "He will not change His mind," it emphasizes God's constancy. God is not subject to remorse as man is, seeking to amend past missteps. When divine repentance occurs in Scripture, it denotes a true change in action rather than in intention. He transitioned the kingdom away from Saul in response to previous iniquities; yet even this change does not suggest fluctuation in His purpose. A promise made remains, intended to take effect and endure. The scripture declares, “The Lord swore an oath, and will not change His mind: You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
The Lord assured David this faithful promise: “The fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.” Why did He opt to phrase it as “the fruit of thy body”? Though “the fruit of thy loins” would be true, the specific choice speaks to the divine nature of Christ, miraculously born of a woman without earthly father.
Therefore, the Lord affirmed His oath to David, promising that “if your children remain faithful to My covenant and to My testimonies, the next generation will rule on your throne forever” (Psalm 130:12). This underscores parental commitment resulting in the blessing of their children. What if they falter? The promise prevails not merely due to parental merit but in recognition of what has been divinely foreseen: they will believe. Let none presume to fulfill God’s promises by mere pride; for it is declared: “He has sworn an oath,” assuring us of the certitude of His word.
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