The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 126:1-6. “When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

3 The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad.

4 Restore our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

6 He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Psalm 127:1-5, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.

5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.”

It seemed to me that these two psalms belonged together. Of course, they are in proximity within the Bible; yet, it is encouraging that they are conjoined so as to be read in sequence. In the first psalm, we see Israel being freed from captivity and brought joyfully to her homeland. In the second psalm, there is additional praise and productive rejoicing in their lives and with each other. However, it seems that in the latter, greater emphasis is laid upon the worship of the LORD.

This placement in Scripture encourages us to rejoice over our opportunities, as well as over the salvation He has granted us! Challenging us to complete and full redemption? Indeed, the LORD has done great things for us!” And are we glad! Glad indeed!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom