Prayer, Praise and Promises 8/3

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:20 Psalm 87:1-7

City of God

Read Psalm 87:1-7

Most of us have places in this world we love in special ways. It might be an old home or perhaps a school. It might even be a church or a place in that church building where God met you in a significant way. God also has a place He loves especially. "The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob" (v. 2). The psalmist refers to the city of God.

Zion is important to Christians also. Of course, our citizenship is in the heavenly Zion (Phil. 3:20), where one day we shall walk the golden streets. But we can give thanks for Jerusalem, the earthly city of God.

First, our foundations are in Zion. This means the foundations of our spiritual life. The Word of God, the Bible, originated from the Jewish nation. The knowledge of the true God came from the Jewish nation. And the Son of God, the Savior of the world, came from the Jewish nation.

Second, our family is in Zion. The psalmist speaks about one who was born there. People born in Jerusalem are proud of their birthplace, just as we are proud of our birthplace. But Christians have been born from above. We have been born again spiritually because we trust Christ as our Savior.

Third, our fountains are in Zion. "All my springs are in you" (v. 7). The word springs means "fountains"--our refreshment, our strength, our spiritual power. They all come from our heavenly Zion.

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Believers in Christ are citizens of heavenly Zion. Are you a citizen of the city of God? If not, why not trust Him as your Savior and begin your pilgrimage to Zion?


Psalm 87:1-7 (New International Version)

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.
1 He has set his foundation on the holy mountain;

2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

3 Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God:
Selah

4 "I will record Rahab [a] and Babylon
among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush[b]—
and will say, 'This [c] one was born in Zion.' "

5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
"This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her."

6 The LORD will write in the register of the peoples:
"This one was born in Zion."
Selah

7 As they make music they will sing,
"All my fountains are in you."
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 87:4 A poetic name for Egypt
2. Psalm 87:4 That is, the upper Nile region
3. Psalm 87:4 Or "O Rahab and Babylon, / Philistia, Tyre and Cush, / I will record concerning those who acknowledge me: / 'This