Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Psalm 126), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [1-3] Like the Exodus from Egypt, the Return of the Exiles from Babylon was a major historical event in the life of God’s people that pictures salvation for us. God’s restoration of their fortunes is a pattern seen again and ultimately in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How is salvation in Christ like the Return from Babylon?

• [4] God’s people long for him to restore our fortunes, ultimately in the Resurrection when we will dwell in his presence forever. How do you feel the agony of that longing right now in a world that is called “the vale of tears”? Are you surprised at the suffering that exists in this world? Do you pray for Christ’s return, for the Resurrection, for the complete restoration found in the New Heavens and New Earth? What “fortunes” do you want “restored”? Do you have expectations that God would restore certain earthly fortunes in this life? Why or why not?

• [5-6] God’s pattern of restoring the fortunes of his people has become a promise in Christ: those who sow in tears most assuredly shall reap with shouts of joy! How has God made this promise and guaranteed that it is true? Do you believe this promise? Are you sure that there will come a day when God wipes away all your tears? Why or why not?

• Just as Jesus suffered in sowing the seeds of his kingdom, so also will his followers (John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12). And just as Jesus was raised from the dead to everlasting joy in God’s presence, so also will his followers (John 14:19). In both our suffering like him and our being raised like him, the great privilege is coming to know Jesus and share in his own life (Philippians 3:8-11). Do you take your tears in this life seriously as an opportunity to know the tender mercies of God in Christ? To relate to Jesus? To share in his life and mission? Is being with him the great attraction of eternal life for you?

• When Jesus reaps the harvest he has sown, the “sheaves” he brings home with him are the nations whose salvation he has won. Sharing in his life and mission means going to work in his harvest field just as he has done (John 4:35). Considering what that has looked like for Jesus, what might that look like for you? Is that a beautiful picture in your mind? Can you imagine a greater joy than coming home to God’s presence bringing in part of the harvest with you?