Dear beloved family in Christ

The psalm writer wrote in Psalm 130– “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

Psalm 130 formed part of the Songs of Ascent, which was a collection of 15 psalms (120 to 134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended the mountainous roads up to Jerusalem city to attend the annual Jewish festivals at the Temple. The theme of Psalm 130 was to encourage the people of God to place their hope in Yahweh’s forgiving love. Israel, God’s chosen people, had been disobedient to Yahweh’s commandments. In His mercy and compassion, Yahweh forgave the sins of Israel when they truly repented. Indeed, the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever and He will restore mercifully and redeem plentifully His beloved people.

Let us remember in prayer for the salvation of the millions of modern Jews in Israel and all around the world in this 21^st century. God’s steadfast love remains for the people of God (please read Romans chapter 11 for scriptural insights on this issue). The gospel of Jesus Christ must be proclaimed to the Jews, so that many can hear and come to salvation faith in the Messiah Jesus.

Let us place our hope in Abba Father’s forgiving love. Whatever difficulties or struggles that you may be facing in your personal situation or that of your family members, do not lost heart and do not be discouraged. Take heart, receive God’s steadfast love, seek refuge in the Lord and be strengthened in your soul in the power of the Holy Spirit. Meditate on this regularly: “Hope in the Lord!  For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption”.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”  Romans 15:13

Maranatha
Pastor John