SCRIPTURE: Psalm 87
“The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.” (Psalm 87:2)
Of all the cities in Israel – and the world – God had a special place in His heart for Jerusalem (Zion).
This was where the temple, symbolizing His presence, was built.
It was not the temple itself, but what it represented, that warmed God’s heart: God living with His people.
This is God’s greatest desire, and the goal of history (Revelation 21:3-4), that we would live together in fellowship with God.
When Jesus comes, He is ‘God with us’, and is therefore greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6).
And now that Jesus has sent the Spirit, God lives in us and we are His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).
God no longer favours Jerusalem, for the temple has served it’s purpose – God now favours living with us.
Wherever we are – at all times and in all places – God’s enjoys living with and in us (John 14:23).
And this is not just for the Jews, it is for all people, all nations: “I will record Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon among those who acknowledge me— Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush (Ethiopia) — and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” (Psalm 87:4)
I read this Psalm as applying to me – to all of us – the Lord loves the gates of my heart, He has established me on a solid rock, and He speaks glorious things of me.
And in response, I rejoice in Him and sing ‘All my fountains (blessings) are in You!’
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, You are in me, You delight in me. You are my joy, my life, my hope. May You shine through me!
Observations/Application
The first verse reminded me of all the European villages I saw that were built onto of the hills. And in each one saw the spire of the church – above all the other buildings. It reminded me that central to all was the house of God where the people could worship. The towns were built around the church – the house of the Lord.
Then am now, God lives among His people. He is at the heart of all things. All peoples need to be born in Him. He is their all in all. And when that happens, when that is reality, our hearts will burst forth in song.
Praise Him always and forevermore.
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.