On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3 Glorious things are spoken of you,
O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in it”;
for the Most High himself will establish it.
6 The Lord records, as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.” – Psalm 87
We might remember singing the hymn “Marching to Zion.” The lyrics states that those who love the Lord should come along as we march towards the gates of the beautiful city of God. Zion is the name given for thy city or mountain in which God dwells. For many scholars, Zion of synonymous with Jerusalem because so many important things happen in that particular place.
There Melchezidek, king and priest of God Most High, reigned and served.
There Abraham was willing to offer Isaac on the mount of the Lord where His perfect sacrifice would be provided.
There David, Israel’s greatest earthly king, reigned and made it the kingdom’s capital.
There the tabernacle of God found its fulfillment and permanence in the great temple David designed and Solomon built.
There the institutions of sacrifice, worship, and priestly service were established for centuries.
There Jesus recognized and honored the city and observed the feasts and temple rituals.
There Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.
There the church was born in a day at Pentecost.
There the apostles served and sent out the Gospel.
There is where many believe God will establish the physical, geographic center of His ultimate kingdom upon earth.
Ultimately we know that Jesus will establish a new heaven and new earth and his church will welcome Jesus back, but the reality is that the new Jerusalem, the new city of peace will be far grander than the old. It will house the saints above and saints below, and it will be a kingdom that lasts forever. It hard to wrap our minds around such a concept, but as we pray this old Psalm of praise, the great joy is to know that all will surround the never-ending wellspring of life, with singing, dancing, and praise to the God who is forever.
Grace & Peace,
Sam