Psalms of Ascent - Psalm 127

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Speaker Notes We Are Called To Work

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court.

“A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society” by Eugene H. Peterson (1980)

Nathan is the Senior Theologian & Associate Directorof The Octet Collaborative at M.I.T.