What went through Jesus’ mind as He approached Jerusalem for the last time?
‘This book is food for the soul.’
Rt Rev Mark Tanner, Bishop of Chester
The end of September marks the beginning of Sukkot, one of the three Jewish pilgrimage festivals. In Jesus’ day, the Jewish people would gather in Jerusalem to celebrate, ascending to the Temple and singing the fifteen ‘Psalms of Ascents’ as they went. It was on one of these festivals – the Passover – that Jesus went to Jerusalem for the last time. What did these Psalms mean for Him so close to His crucifixion, and what do they mean for us today?
In Pilgrimage and Promise, experienced pastor, Rob Shimwell, examines each of the Psalms of Ascents (120-134) in turn. Considering the events of Jesus’ life and ministry, and their imminent culmination, he shows their relevance to Christ’s pilgrimage and how they also apply to our own lives. Each chapter takes us through one of the fifteen Psalms in turn, and uses devotional prayers and guided responses to encourage us in following after the Lord.
As the Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, shares in his endorsement, ‘[Rob writes] with a clear, accessible style, [drawing] on his personal experience as a much-loved pastor to relate these Psalms on the one hand to the life of Jesus, and on the other hand to our struggles and joys as Jesus’ disciples. Like the psalmist, he combines realism about suffering, pain, questioning and temptation with abundant hope in a God of unfailing mercy and loving-kindness. He also shows how the longings of the psalmist are fulfilled in Jesus’ redeeming work, and makes illuminating connections between events in the Old Testament and the Gospels.’
Rob comments, ‘Some years ago I walked with a good friend in the Swiss Alps. Each evening, I read from the Psalms of Ascents, written for pilgrims on a journey. Since those unforgettable days of walking and companionship, I have lived with these Psalms, praying and attempting to live them. As these fifteen Psalms have done for me, my hope is that Pilgrimage and Promise will give light when the way is dark, security when fear threatens, guidance when the route is uncertain and a constantly renewed trust in our covenant-making Lord, who has promised to walk with us each step of our earthly pilgrimage.’
Our faith journeys can sometimes be difficult, but in Pilgrimage and Promise Rob helps us find a rich source of hope and encouragement in the Psalms of Ascents – something Jesus assuredly did as He ascended to Jerusalem that final time.
‘I found it speaking to me personally all along the way, as will every reader who takes this journey upwards in the spiritual life.’
Dr Richard S. Hess, Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Denver Seminary, Colorado
Pilgrimage and Promise by Rob Shimwell (ISBN: 9781912726721) is published by Instant Apostle and is available on 15th September 2023 from bookshops and online retailers. Christian Life, paperback, 208pp, £12.99.