In his letter, Peter was writing to scattered Christians facing horrible persecution (around 64 AD).
1 Peter 2:4–5, 9 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (Vs 9) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (ESV)
These Christians reading this letter were having to fight discouragement on levels we can only imagine. Constantly feeding yourself in the Word is how the Bible says we train ourselves in maturity, so we can stand strong when the enemy attacks. Not if, but when. Peter went on to write:
1 Peter 4:12–13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (ESV)
God told Israel to come to Jerusalem three times a year for the big feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16). Jerusalem sits on a mountain, so no matter where you started, you were always going up to Jerusalem. As God’s people climbed, they likely sang the Songs of Ascents, fifteen short psalms (Psalms 120–134). “Ascents” simply means “going up.”
As a Jewish man, Peter would have made this journey for the feasts, singing these songs along the way. I find it interesting that 1 Peter 2 actually aligns with the songs of ascents.
1 Peter 2
Songs of Ascents
v.11: “sojourners and exiles”
Psalm 120:5: “Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech”
v.6: a cornerstone laid “in Zion”
Psalm 125:1: “like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved”
v.5: “built up as a spiritual house”
Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house…”
v.5: stones fitted together
Psalm 122:3: Jerusalem “bound firmly together”
vv.5, 9: “a holy priesthood,” “a royal priesthood”
Psalm 134:1: servants who “stand by night in the house of the LORD”
v.10: “now you are God’s people”
Psalm 133:1: “how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity”
Psalm 121:1–2 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (ESV)
The Lord is awakening another level of strength for a new place of advancement to which He’s inviting us into in the season ahead. Where you are right now doesn’t have to dictate where you’ll be tomorrow. Keep climbing. God is at work!
GP2RL: Rehearse these Songs of Ascent at various times this week asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith as we climb higher in Christ together!
