The Ascent: Past Mercy, Future Restoration

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: Psalm 126.

overview

The people of Israel had endured much loss during the reign of the kings – Assyria’s victory over the northern kingdom of Israel and Babylon’s conquest of the southern kingdom of Judah. But perhaps the most devastating event came in 586 B.C. with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. The holy city, where God’s temple stood as the sign of his presence among his people, now lay in ruins. Yet God, who is faithful, would not leave his children in despair. Instead, he would lead them into restoration, renewing them according to his promises. After Babylon’s downfall, Persia permitted many of Israel’s exiles to return and rebuild the holy city and their place of worship.

Psalm 126 is believed to have been written in remembrance of God restoring his people to their communal identity, their land, their temple, and their hope. This ancient song led Israelite travelers not only to a city on a hill, but upward toward the God who restores his people.

question 1

As you reflect on God’s faithfulness, what is one story from your life where God restored something that once felt lost?

discussion

After the exile, Israel’s restoration was not a single event, but a work of God unfolding over time – like waves coming to shore one after another. As Jerusalem, the temple, and the city walls were rebuilt, three waves of people returned to the holy city, led by Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. In light of all the marvelous things God had done for Israel, the psalmist reminds both singer and hearer alike of their ongoing need for God’s continued restoration in the present and of their need to trust him again in the middle of what was still unfinished.

question 2

Where in your life do you need God’s restoring work right now, and how is he inviting you to depend on him there?

The psalm concludes with God’s future promise of deliverance and restoration. Present tears and weeping will one day give way to songs of joy, reminding the singer that sorrow is not the end of the story. It invites all travelers ascending the city hill to remember that, no matter the hardship or suffering of the present moment, God’s provision will, in time, turn sorrow into joy and mourning into praise as he brings his people through loss into renewed hope.

question 3

The future is unknown and uncertain. What has God shown you that you can hold onto with confidence, no matter what happens?

Prayer Practice

As our community prepares for our upcoming move at the end of March, we are joining together in 8 weeks of prayer.

Week 6 – Peace Over Fear and Anxiety

Focus: Choosing prayer over worry.

Scripture: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6–7).

Prayer Prompt: God, we choose prayer over worry. When anxiety rises, remind us that you are in control. Fill our church family with peace that surpasses understanding. Help us rest in your presence and trust your timing.

Daily Prayer Practice

As families, friends, roommates, and individuals, we commit to pray every day at dinner for our community of Branches.

Pray simply and faithfully: Lord, please bless your church, Branches. Lead us, protect us, unite us, and guide us into the future you have prepared for us.