These show notes cover a solo teaching episode with Russ. He explains what a biblical pilgrimage is, why Psalm 84 matters, and how Psalms 120 through 134 form the Song of Ascents. The main takeaway is simple and practical: faith is often a journey, and these psalms give language for the road.

Inside the episode:

• In this episode, Russ opens with a personal story about a life-changing trip to China with Eugene Bach and Cameron Robinson, using it as a picture of how a journey begins long before departure.
• He defines a pilgrimage as a journey to a sacred place for a spiritual purpose, then connects that idea to ancient Israel traveling to Jerusalem for festivals like Passover and the Feast of Booths.
• Russ reads Psalm 84 and highlights its longing for God’s house, including the image of “highways” in the heart and the journey through the “valley of weeping.”
• He explains the phrase “Selah” as a pause to reflect, and points out the repeated theme of growing stronger on the way to God’s presence.
• Russ introduces Psalms 120 through 134 as the Song of Ascents, a 15-psalm collection traditionally associated with pilgrims going up to Jerusalem.
• He traces the movement of the collection from conflict and distance in Psalm 120, to trust and protection in Psalm 121, to arrival and gladness in Psalm 122.
• He notes that the songs are not only about travel, but about life on the journey - including suffering, work, family, forgiveness, waiting, and learning to be still before God.
• Russ highlights Psalm 132’s focus on God choosing Jerusalem as his dwelling place among his people, while clarifying that this does not mean God is confined to a building.
• He closes with Psalm 133’s unity and Psalm 134’s blessing, showing the collection’s movement from far away conflict to worship and harmony in Jerusalem.
• The practical challenge is to read Psalms 120 through 134 in one sitting as preparation for worship.